The Iglu Guide | Blog
Everyday steps to improve conversational English
Speaking a new language in the safety of a classroom environment is quite different to using it in everyday conversation. We’ve all been there. You’re mid-conversation, you know what you want to say…. But your mind freezes. Factor in these nuances of daily slang and some local variations and it’s no surprise that many students end up feeling demotivated. But before you hang up your English-speaking hat, it’s important to remember that immersion is key to learning any new language. The more you are around it, the more natural it will feel – and the faster you will improve. Conversational English is something that always needs regular attention, because by nature language is always evolving. If you’ve got your academic English skills licked and want to get your everyday chat up to scratch, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Speak English every day, all day
Inner confidence is where it all begins, and that comes from speaking English every single day. Initiate conversation wherever you can, whether that’s at home with your housemates, at college with tutors, or out and about with shop staff or your local coffee barista. Regular conversation will quickly build up your vocabulary and help with pronunciation, as well as reduce any hesitation and improve fluency. You’ll also pick up local jargon, small talk and common slang phrases that don’t come up in language classes or textbooks. So, when someone asks you where to find the dunny, or the bottle-O, you know exactly what they’re talking about!
Top Tip: Set yourself a goal of three new words every day, and make a point of using them in conversation
2. Tune into the media
Immerse yourself in classic Australian TV such as Neighbours or Home and Away to really get a sense of the local Aussie accent. The more familiar you become with these sounds, the easier it will be to pick out words and phrases when you’re in conversation. Tuning into local radio stations or Aussie podcasts are also a great way to familiarise yourself with conversational topics as well as helping to improve your listening skills. You’ll definitely come across some new words and phrases to store in the memory bank for later use. Stay active on your social media channels and use it to find language groups with students in similar situations to your own. Comparing notes and experiences with others will help motivate you onwards.
Top Tip: Record yourself imitating phrases out loud and listen back to how you sound. This can help improve your local accent
3. Do what you enjoy
Learning always happens best in environments we enjoy. Even when you think you’re simply hanging out with new friends, your brain is actually absorbing new communication skills the entire time. Language skills can also be improved during extra-curricular activities, combining a learning activity with something you enjoy. You’ll meet like-minded people along the way as well as learn the appropriate lingo that you might not ordinarily come across in everyday life. Participating in events such as festivals and workshops or even volunteering in the local community are all valuable ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and consolidate your language learning.
Top tip: Social events are perfect for practising your English skills in a completely organic environment – why not have fun along the way!
4. Find a language buddy
It definitely takes confidence to speak a new language in public. Many students benefit from having a language buddy to bridge that gap between a classroom environment and the big wide world. It’s a safe space where you can make mistakes and ask questions at a pace that suits you. This is a great complement to your organic everyday learning environments, where the conversational pace can be fast and furious and it’s easy to miss words and meanings. Before you know it, the conversation has moved to something new and you’ve missed the window. With a language buddy, you get to set the speed and you can ask as many questions as you like along the way.
Top tip: Find an English-speaking buddy who may want to learn your native language and do a trade
5. Keep a journal
Hearing language used in everyday context is much more useful than reading vocab listed in a textbook. When you hear something new that you want to incorporate in your next conversation, write it down with an explanation if necessary. That way, you have a reference point to come back to. It will help you contextualise everything you learn, and give you greater confidence when implementing it in future conversations.
Top tip: Try and establish a habit of checking your journal every day so that you can find ways to incorporate your learnings in new conversations
6. Be patient
Learning conversational language skills is always a challenge but you’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up. Its’ important to be patient and celebrate the small improvements as you go along, as fluency takes time to develop and requires regular practise. Making mistakes is all part of the process, and once you have accepted this as part of the learning journey you will feel more motivated in your efforts and committed to the cause.
Top tip: Find the learning approach that best suits you and the improvement will follow
