Unlock Your English Fluency

Explore what fluency means, going beyond a general level of English. Differentiate between the physical and mental aspects of fluency, as explained by Oli.

“Fluency means you can speak smoothly, without stopping or hesitating.”

Emphasizes the importance of speaking English regularly to improve fluency. Focuses on getting out and having conversations, as Oli suggests. Remember, nothing else is as important as this!

“If you want to become more fluent, there’s really one thing you have to do. Get out there and speak English.”

Accept that speaking a foreign language can be difficult and uncomfortable. Learn to manage pressure and communicate effectively even when feeling nervous. Modelled after Oli's phone call example, confront your speaking anxiety!

“To do that, you have to accept that it will feel difficult, uncomfortable and intimidating a lot of the time.”

Practice reading English texts aloud and timing yourself to improve physical fluency. Use easy texts, and repeat reading for speed gains, as suggested by Oli.

“Your mouth needs to produce English sounds and English words fast and smoothly.”

Sing along to English songs to practice the physical side of fluency. Start with slower songs and gradually increase the tempo. Just like Oli says!

“When you sing a song, you have to go at the speed of the song.”

Learn vocabulary in phrases and sentences rather than individual words to improve mental fluency. Practice using these chunks in different contexts, avoiding direct translation from your native language, mirroring Oli's guidance.

“When you speak a language, you don’t need individual words, you need phrases and sentences.”

Have a conversation with a native English speaker or conversation partner for at least 30 minutes. Remember what Oli said: this is THE most important thing you can do!