Speaking skills are one of the most important parts of learning English. Whether you’re helping your team master their skills or working on improving your own abilities, clear and effective speaking can make a real difference in how ideas are shared and understood.
Explore 6 simple and practical tips to help improve speaking skills, build confidence, and communicate more effectively in English.
Breaking down the barriers to speaking English confidently
For many people, improving speaking skills in the English language can feel like a daunting task. Common challenges include thinking too much about grammar, struggling to find the right words, or feeling self-conscious about pronunciation. These hurdles can make it hard to communicate naturally, even when you know what you want to say.
Another challenge is balancing listening and speaking. Great conversations require both: Understanding what others are saying and responding clearly. Overcoming these barriers is less about perfection and more about practice, confidence, and the right techniques.
By breaking down these challenges and focusing on simple, actionable steps, improving your English speaking skills becomes a lot easier.
Practical tips to improve your English speaking skills
Improving your English speaking skills takes consistent effort and the right techniques. These six tips are designed to help you build fluency, confidence, and clarity step by step.
#1: Practice listening and speaking daily
Speaking starts with listening. Pay close attention to how native English speakers use words, tone, and rhythm by watching videos, listening to podcasts, or engaging in conversations. Then, practice speaking out loud every day – even if it’s just repeating what you hear. Consistency is key to progress.
You could try:
• Setting a daily goal, like speaking for 5 minutes about your day or repeating sentences from a podcast.
• Pairing up with a study buddy and taking turns describing pictures or answering simple questions.
• Using a voice-to-text app to see how accurately the app picks up your spoken words and then refine as needed.
#2: Focus on pronunciation and clarity
Good pronunciation makes your speech easier to understand. Use resources like pronunciation apps or videos to focus on specific sounds you find difficult. Practicing tongue twisters or reading aloud slowly can help you refine your clarity over time.
You could try:
• Recording yourself reading a short paragraph and listening for any unclear words or patterns.
• Using online pronunciation guides to practice tricky sounds like "th" or the differences between "ship" and "sheep."
• Speaking in front of a mirror to monitor how your mouth moves during certain sounds.
#3: Build confidence through conversations
Join conversation groups, language exchange programs, or even start chatting with friends online. Real-world conversations help you apply your skills in a natural setting, build your confidence, and improve your ability to think and respond in English on the spot.
You could try:
• Scheduling short daily chats with a language partner, focusing on a specific topic each time.
• Asking open-ended questions during conversations to keep them flowing and then challenging yourself to respond in detail.
• Joining online forums or groups related to your hobbies and participating in discussions to practice expressing your ideas.
#4: Expand your vocabulary with context
Learning words in isolation won’t help you in conversations. Instead, focus on phrases and expressions you’d use in daily life or at work. For example, learn how to ask questions, give opinions, or explain ideas. Practicing in context ensures you remember and use what you’ve learned.
You could try:
• Creating flashcards with full sentences, not just single words, to practice using vocabulary in context.
• Watching videos or reading articles in your field of interest, noting useful phrases to practice.
• Role-playing common scenarios, like ordering food or introducing yourself, to apply new vocabulary naturally.
#5: Use feedback to improve
Ask for feedback from others who are fluent in English, whether it’s a teacher, friend, or colleague. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas to work on, like specific sounds or sentence structures, and gives you a clear path to improvement.
You could try:
• Asking a teacher or friend to correct you on one specific area, like sentence structure or tone, during a conversation.
• Participating in language classes or workshops where feedback is a core part of the process.
• Writing down feedback you receive and creating a checklist to address each point during your next practice session.
#6: Track your progress and celebrate wins
Keep a journal or voice recordings to track how your English speaking skills improve over time. Noticing progress, no matter how small, will keep you motivated. Celebrate when you hit milestones, like completing a full conversation or mastering a tricky phrase.
You could try:
• Setting weekly goals, like learning 10 new phrases or completing a full conversation without pausing.
• Recording a "before and after" audio clip every month to hear your improvement over time.
• Rewarding yourself when you hit a milestone, like buying a book in English or treating yourself to something you enjoy.
We’re here to help
At the British Council, we’re here to help you improve speaking skills in the English language across your organization. Whether you’re part of a business or an academic institution, we provide research-based training focused on helping your team communicate confidently and effectively in English. With experienced trainers and a flexible approach, we ensure every solution works for learners at any level.
Explore our English language training corporate solutions to find out more.