How to Become an Advanced English Speaker

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References Approved

Becoming an advanced speaker of the English language can be a very valuable skill and there are several ways you can improve your English speaking ability. Listening to native English speakers can improve your understanding of the language as well as your accent and pronunciation. Reading and writing in English can build your vocabulary which will improve your speaking ability. Don't be afraid to make mistakes as they are part of the learning process. Soon enough, you'll be speaking English confidently.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Listening to English Speakers

1
Pay attention to people when they speak English. Whenever you notice someone around you speaking English, try to understand what they’re saying. As you improve your English speaking ability, you’ll be better able to comprehend what people are saying when they’re speaking English to other people.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Native English speakers can sometimes talk really quickly and be difficult to understand. Work to comprehend what they’re saying by paying close attention.
- Don’t be rude and eavesdrop on someone just because they’re speaking English, but listening to what they’re saying can help you build your English speaking ability.
2
Watch English television to hear how the language sounds. Put on the news or watch a program that uses only English so you can hear how certain words and phrases are used. Go to the movies to watch English-speaking movies. The more you hear the English language, the more natural you’ll sound when you speak it.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Look for news programs such as BBC Worlds, which can be found online as well.
- Purchase or rent English-speaking movies so you can watch them at home.
- Select English subtitles so you can see the English translation while you’re watching TV or a movie in your native language.
Tip: Keep a notebook and pen nearby when you’re watching English television so you can write down words that you don’t know so you can look them up later.

Advertisement
3
Listen to English-speaking radio to improve your comprehension. Tune into radio stations that speak English and pay close attention to what people are saying and how they’re saying it so you can work to sound more natural when you speak. In addition, listen to the songs that are sung in English so you can get better and understanding the language and learning the phrases people use.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Download a radio application to your computer, smartphone, or tablet so you can listen to English radio stations even if you don’t have any playing in your area.
4
Download English podcasts to your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Podcasts are radio programs that you can download and listen to at any time. They’re great to use to improve your English speaking because of how many different types there are. You can choose from podcasts that discuss popular culture, news, music, history, and many other topics. Find one that interests you with hosts that you like and listen to them when you get a free moment.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You’ll also learn something about the topic the podcast discusses.
- On a smartphone or tablet, use a podcast application to download episodes.
- Download podcasts designed to help you learn English such as Voice of America: Learning English or LearnEnglish Podcasts from the British Council.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reading and Writing in English

1
Write in English as often as you can to improve your understanding. Spend time writing essays or blog posts in English so you can practice your written English and improve your writing ability. Being able to write well in English will help you become an advanced speaker of the language.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Keep a journal that you can use to practice writing in English.
- Journaling allows you to write without being judged.
- Practice writing essays. It teaches you to put your ideas in the form of proper text.
- Create a social media post or a blog entry in English so you can practice.
2
Consult a dictionary or thesaurus to learn new words. If you hear or learn a new English word that you don’t know the meaning of, search for it in a dictionary to find the definition of it. A thesaurus can help you find words that have a similar meaning, so you can have a full and robust knowledge of the English language.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Learn the phonetic notation used in your dictionary so you see how a word is pronounced as well.
- Use a thesaurus whenever you’re writing in English and want to use different wording.
Tip: Keep a pocket English dictionary with you at all times so you can look up the meaning of a new word whenever you find one.
3
Read in English to improve your comprehension. Whether they’re works of fiction such as the Harry Potter series or non-fiction, such as news or academic articles, choose to read in English as often as you can. You will become better acquainted with the written rules of the language, which will help you speak English better.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Read books prepared for your level of English. For example, if you’re new to reading English, try reading books written for middle readers or young adults so the language is a little simpler and you can practice.
- Remember, it is not about how fast you read. Take your time to make sure you understand the text.
- Read daily and read out loud books, magazines, articles, comic books, and news on various topics. It will help you to pronounce the words correctly.
4
Find an English-speaking friend that you can write to. If you meet someone that you enjoy talking to online or in a social media application, stay in touch with them and try to communicate with them in English only. You could also sign up for a pen pal. Use them to help you practice your English by writing to them.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Search for a pen pal program online so you can sign up.
- Be careful when becoming friends with someone online that you’ve never met. Never give away any personal information.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Improving Your Speaking Confidence

1
Take an English class to learn how to speak better. Check out a local university or an educational organization to see if they offer English speaking classes that you can take. Having an instructor and a group of peers to work with can help you improve your knowledge of the language and the practice will make you a more confident speaker.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- An English class will also help you learn the rules of grammar and formal written English.
- You can also make friends at your English class so you can practice speaking with them.
2
Sing songs in English to get more comfortable using the language. If you know any songs in English, sing them aloud to help yourself get better at forming the words and sound more natural when you use them. Listen to English radio and English music to learn new songs that you can sing to practice as well.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Look online for English music that you can listen to.
- Download English music to your smartphone, computer, or mp3 player so you can listen to it.
3
Practice your pronunciation by reading out loud. Whenever you are reading, try reading the words out loud so you can work on converting the written words into normal speech. Sounding them out will also help you identify words that you don’t know how to pronounce, so you can work to learn them.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Look online to find the pronunciation of a word that you don’t know.
Tip: If you have an English-speaking friend, try reading out loud in front of them so they can help you pronounce new words.
4
Communicate as much as possible using English. The more comfortable you are with speaking English, the more confident you’ll feel and sound. Being confident will keep you from being afraid to try using new words or phrases, which will help you become a better speaker.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Use any opportunity you can to speak English. For example, if you’re at an English-speaking restaurant, try ordering your food in English.
5
Be confident and relaxed whenever you try to speak English. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try using new English words or phrases. Be confident and take every chance you have to use your English skills so you can practice and improve them. As you get better, you’ll get even more confident!^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
Go to source}
- Don't be shy and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
- If you are not sure about your English, don't hesitate to ask someone if your English is wrong.

Community Q&A

Question

Why am I good at speaking English by myself, but not so good when I'm around others?

Community Answer

This is normal, you're just nervous speaking with other people. Start by speaking English with close friends or family members on a regular basis. With other people, try using it slowly, and if you feel uncomfortable, then try it a different time. The key is persistence. Languages can be extremely difficult to learn sometimes, but practicing speaking with someone you are comfortable with and then moving out of your comfort zone is the best way to improve.
Question

Why am I bad at writing in English in front of others?

Community Answer

You might feel insecure or nervous about making a mistake. In these situations, relax and concentrate on what you are doing, not the people around you.
Question

How can I become perfect at having conversations in English?

Community Answer

Practice it and think in English as much as you can. Find people who speak English and converse together only in English.