71 Ways to Practice Speaking English: Tips for ESL/EFL Learners

By Jackie Bolen

Is your spoken English holding you back from bigger and better things in your life?

 

What would it mean to your studies or career to be able to speak freely in English? The habits and study tips in 71 Ways to Practice English Speaking: Tips for ESL/EFL Learners are designed to improve your spoken English quickly and easily.

 

Jackie Bolen and Jennifer Booker Smith have nearly thirty years experience teaching ESL/EFL. In this book, they have organized the advice they have given countless students to help reach their speaking goals from improving a test score, to getting a job, to giving business presentations in English.

 

In this book, you'll find out how reading more can improve your spoken English, where to find the best free resources online, and how to make the most of your study time. You'll also find some fun ideas for improving your speaking. There is even a tip to help you earn money while you practice speaking!

 

Pick up 71 Ways to Practice Speaking English today and get started. Better English speaking is in your future!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Bolen
• Release date: Jan 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781393215264

Book preview

Jackie Bolen +

Jennifer Booker Smith

Table of Contents

About the Authors.......................................................................................................................4

Jackie Bolen..............................................................................................................................4

Jennifer Booker Smith...........................................................................................................4

About the Editor: Victoria Florimont....................................................................................5

Motivation and Goal Tips..........................................................................................................6

Think about your Motivation...............................................................................................6

Think about your Goals.........................................................................................................6

Enjoy English...........................................................................................................................7

Don’t Give Up!.........................................................................................................................8

Sleep Enough...........................................................................................................................8

Work Hard................................................................................................................................8

Don’t be Afraid of Mistakes.................................................................................................9

Practice Every Day.................................................................................................................9

Immerse Yourself in English.............................................................................................10

Tell your Family and Friends about your Goal............................................................10

Reward Yourself (Short and Long-Term Goals)..........................................................10

Grammar and Vocabulary Tips.............................................................................................11

Learn Fillers..........................................................................................................................11

Don’t Worry about Perfect Grammar.............................................................................11

Repetition...............................................................................................................................11

Study Vocabulary.................................................................................................................12

Practice Speaking Quickly.................................................................................................12

Learn another Language Besides English....................................................................13

Don’t Forget Review............................................................................................................14

Study Language Chunks................................................................................................14

Think in English....................................................................................................................15

Remember that English is a Strange Language.........................................................15

The Answer is in the Question.........................................................................................15

Check out BBC Learning English....................................................................................16

Understand Formal vs. Informal English......................................................................16

Use Contractions and Link Sounds.................................................................................16

Practice the Schwa Sound.................................................................................................17

Tips for Having Fun with English .......................................................................................18

Play Board Games................................................................................................................18

Use Snapchat.........................................................................................................................18

Listen, Read or Watch English Before Sleeping.........................................................18

Travel.......................................................................................................................................19

Watch YouTube.....................................................................................................................19

Take up a Hobby...................................................................................................................20

Sing!.........................................................................................................................................20

Tips for Learning in a Classroom.........................................................................................21

Join a Conversation Class..................................................................................................21

Learn from Non-Native Speakers Too...........................................................................21

Get a Private Tutor..............................................................................................................22

Switch Conversation Partners (in Class or Real Life)...............................................22

Do a Speaking Test (TOEIC or TOEFL).........................................................................23

People Tips.................................................................................................................................24

Make English Speaking Friends......................................................................................24

Meetup.com...........................................................................................................................24

Find a Language Partner...................................................................................................24

Host Couchsurfers...............................................................................................................25

Host AirBnb Guests.............................................................................................................25

Join Toastmasters.................................................................................................................25

Find International Roommates........................................................................................26

Study Abroad.........................................................................................................................26

Conversation Tips.....................................................................................................................27

Improve your Small Talk....................................................................................................27

Learn How to Open a Conversation...............................................................................27

Learn How to Close a Conversation...............................................................................28

Learn How to Interrupt Politely.......................................................................................29

Learn How to Take Turns in Conversations.................................................................29

Learn How to Keep the Conversation Going...............................................................31

Learn How to be Vague......................................................................................................32

Learn How to Disagree Politely.......................................................................................32

Join a Conversation Group.................................................................................................33

Speak Loudly!........................................................................................................................33

Keep up With Current Events...........................................................................................34

Listening Tips............................................................................................................................35

Listen to English Songs......................................................................................................35

Listen to Podcasts................................................................................................................35

Record your Voice and Listen..........................................................................................36

English Central.....................................................................................................................36

Watch English TV or Movies (no Subtitles)..................................................................37

Listen to Fluency MC .........................................................................................................37

Reading and Writing Tips.......................................................................................................39

Extensive Reading................................................................................................................39

Read English Newspapers and Magazines...................................................................40

Start a Blog............................................................................................................................40

Keep a Journal.......................................................................................................................40

Read Aloud.............................................................................................................................41

Focus on Intonation ............................................................................................................41

Focus on Stress ...................................................................................................................42

Focus on Rhythm..................................................................................................................42

Copyright 2017 by Jackie Bolen + Jennifer Booker Smith

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher/author at the following address: Jackie Bolen: [e-mail].

About the Authors

Jackie Bolen

I taught English in South Korea for 10 years to every level and type of student. I've taught every age from kindergarten kids to adults. Most of my time has centered around teaching at two universities: five years at a science and engineering school  in Cheonan, and four years at a major university in Busan where I taught upper level classes for students majoring in English. In my spare time, you can usually find me outside surfing, biking, hiking, or snowshoeing. I now live in Vancouver, Canada.

In case you were wondering what my academic qualifications are, I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology. During my time in Korea I successfully completed both the Cambridge CELTA and DELTA certification programs. With the combination of almost ten years teaching ESL/EFL learners of all ages and levels, and the more formal teaching qualifications I've obtained, I have a solid foundation on which to offer advice to English learners. I truly hope that you find this book useful. I would love it if you sent me an email with any questions or feedback that you might have.

Jackie Bolen (www.jackiebolen.com)

Twitter: @bolen_jackie

Email: [e-mail]

Jennifer Booker Smith

I have a Master of Education in TESOL and have spent fifteen years teaching students of all ages in South Korea, from two-year-old preschoolers to businessmen and even a semester as a teacher trainer at an education university. When I'm not

Reviews for 71 Ways to Practice Speaking English

[Raquel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

10 of 10. This book healed me to given a good presentation to my class.