FOCUS ON SPEAKING

 

Good pronunciation helps you to communicate better. You can easily improve your pronunciation.

Tip 1. Concentrate on English sounds which you don't have in-your language. Try to recognize phonetic symbols. Then you can check the pronunciation
ofwords in a dictionary.

Tip 2. Many letters have more than one pronunciation. Try to see the spelling

and pronunciation rules. Many combinations of letters always make the same sounds.

Tip 3. When you pronounce a word try to exaggerate the stressed syllable. Always underline the stressed syllable on a new word.

Tip 4. Pronounce strongly the stressed words or syllables. Say the other words. Quickly without stress. Try to get the right rhythm in each sentence you say.

Tip 5. If you use the wrong intonation, the can think you are bored or unfriendly. Try to sound interested friendly.

Tip 6. Practise your pronunciation outside class.

· Use a dictionary to help you to pronounce new words.

· Use 'Listen and Speak cassette.

· Read aloud and record yourself on a cassette.

· Listen to spoken English as much as possible, e g. Songs, films.

Understanding spoken language is more difficult than reading because you don't have time to translate every word. In conversation people use a lot of contractions and weak form (words which aren't stressed) so it is impossible to hear every word clearly. When you listen to a cassette you can't see the speaker's face. This makes it more difficult.

Listening to cassettes or watching videos is a very good way to practise understanding different voices, accents, situations.

Which of these problems do you have?

 

1. I haven’t got enough vocabulary to say what I want to.

2. I always worry that I do many mistakes.

3. I speak to slowly, because I have to translate everything I want to say before I can say it.

4. I feel embarrassed when I speak English and I can’t express my personality.

5. I feel strange speaking English in class to people who speak my language.

 

If you have any of these problems, try to follow these tips.

 

Tip 1. If you don’t know a word or a phrase, don’t just stop. Try to find another way to express it with words you know.

 

Tip 2. You can always say more than you think. Don’t worry about mistakes. The important thing is to communicate what you want to say.

 

Tip 3. Think what you want to say before you speak. It gives you confidence.

 

Tip 4. Practice to speak English as much as you can. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.

 

In class you can:

 

q Take every opportunity to speak English. Never use your language if you can say it in English.

q Talk as much as you can when you work in pairs/groups.

 

Outside class you can:

 

q Learn and practice the words you need to talk about your job, family, etc.

q Use ‘Listen and Speak’ cassette.

q Practice before and after class with another students.