PRACTICAL TIPS IN LEARNING SPOKEN ENGLISH

• Think in English – Translate your thoughts into English. That means you mentally plan your activities for the day using the English language. Take note, this is but mental exercise. Psychological basis? Everything that comes out from your lips passes through your mind. So instead of thinking ‘ang ganda niya’, think ‘she is so beautiful’.

• Speak English whenever there is opportunity to do so. Try the Jollibee or McDo Challenge. Say Good Morning and Give your order in English.

• Speak in front of the mirror and record your voice. You have to check if you are pronouncing the words correctly. If not, move to next point.

• Exaggerate the movements of your lips when talking in English. Sometimes, you even have to put on lipstick so you will see the shape of your lips while talking. English is not our native tongue. Our muscles in the oral area are not trained to pronounce English sounds. That’s the very reason why we need to do exaggeration so that the real sound will come out. Try it!

• Imitate your favorite movie character’s wholesome lines. Try to listen closely on their /t/, /p/, and /d/ sounds. These sounds are always aspirated.

Fluency in English can only be achieved through practice. It cannot be developed overnight and it cannot be learned solely inside the classroom.