3. Stop Being a Student
Stop thinking of yourself as someone who is learning English, and start thinking of yourself as someone who speaks English.
6. Use It or Lose It
There’s an expression in English: “Use it or lose it,” which basically means if you don’t practice an ability, you might forget it. This idea can be used to help you remember new English vocabulary. The best way to remember a new word is to use it right away so it will stay in your memory. When you learn a new word, try to say it in sentences a few times over the next week and you’ll never forget it.
7. Learn and Study Phrases
13. Record Yourself
(Source)
****************************************************************************
- Repetition = retention
Repetition has been proven to help us remember information for a longer period of time. In the context of English, the main focus should be on repetition of vocabulary and grammar. It is a good idea to keep a record of all your vocabulary tests and regularly look back through your notebooks to ensure this information does not go “in one ear and out the other”. Perhaps ask an English speaking friend to help test your skills from time to time or automate this process via a mobile app. - Use materials that cover the same topics repeatedly
This is a good way of getting to know a certain set of vocabulary well through constant exposure to the same words, phrases and constructions. For example, after you have read 25 news articles about tennis you will be familiar with all the common set phrases associated with the sport. The same goes for any topic. Try this for yourself! - Try the “shadowing” method!
Start by finding a short piece of audio or video clip by a native English speaker – this could be a 30-60 second passage from an audiobook or a very short comedy sketch from Youtube. Listen or watch this several times until you are familiar with it and clear on its meaning. Pay attention to how the speaker uses intonation, emphasis and pauses. Perhaps make some notes on paper and transcribe the passage so you have a visual text to work from too. Now try to “shadow” the speaker by repeating the passage in exactly the same manner and with the same pronunciation. You may like to record yourself doing this so you can then compare your version against the original to see where you can improve further at the next attempt.First we understand, then we speak
As young children we develop a good understanding of our parents’ language before we are actually able to speak or produce grammatical sentences ourselves. This is the same for adult learners of English as a foreign language; your understanding will always be ahead of your own practical ability to speak and use the language. Understanding is the basis for the spoken fluency that follows.It is natural to make mistakes, but learn from them
The only way to become fluent in a language is through trial and error. Therefore, making mistakes is both natural and necessary. Everyone will be expecting you to make mistakes so there is no need to be overly worried about this. The main thing is that you learn from these mistakes in order to improve next time. If you lack confidence when speaking, think of it this way: most Brits and Americans do not speak any foreign languages fluently because they expect everyone else to use English. You are already ahead of them and they should thank you for doing your best to learn their language! Thank you
(Source)
****************************************************************