Speak up, speak up, speak up!
Let us begin by stating unequivocally that there is no magic pill for better public speaking. That would be far too simple, wouldn’t it? Basically, the best way to improve your speaking skills is to, well, speak! Commit to practising as much as possible and with as many different people as possible. Do you already live or study in another country? Take advantage of the thousands of native speakers in your area, such as yourself.
Consider your conversations.
Take a moment to reflect after your conversation is finished. How did it turn out? How much do you believe you comprehend? How at ease were you with the subject matter? Did you come across any unfamiliar words? The act of thinking about it in this way will boost your confidence for the next time you speak (and provide you with specific things to work on, such as vocabu).
Make cheat sheets.
The feeling of not knowing what to say is part of the nervousness associated with public speaking. Prepare a cheat sheet to counteract this. Will you be going to the doctor? Before your appointment, look up vocabulary related to your condition as well as some common phrases you’ll most likely need. Use the technique before going to pay a bill, eat at a restaurant, go on a job interview, file a complaint, or anything else.
Take out your phone and dial
Phone conversations are particularly difficult for most people. Why? Because we can’t see the other person’s body language or watch their mouth move when we’re on the phone, both of which are great tools for communication. To gain confidence on the phone, begin with phone conversations with friends, then progress to more difficult calls such as making appointments or inquiring.
Make a recording of your voice.
We know, we know – most people dislike having their voices recorded, but it’s actually a fantastic way to improve your speaking skills! Hearing yourself on tape reveals things you may not be aware of (for example, you may speak quickly when nervous, swallow your “s’s,” or mumble). On the other hand, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that your speaking abilities are far superior to those of others.
Instead of learning single words, learn phrases.
Another way to improve your fluency is to speak in phrases rather than individual words. (This is probably something you do all the time in your native language.) Instead of automatically asking, “Hello, how are you today?” try different expressions like “What’s up, man?” “Hey, dude!” or “How are you, mate?” (However, be cautious: Some words of wisdom
