Do you want to be more confident when you are speaking your new language with a native or a teacher? Here is some simple advice.
1. Relax. It’s impossible not to make mistakes. You might as well enjoy making them. The key is to begin tracking your mistakes so you can correct them over time. Listen to yourself or ask the native/teacher what you need to improve.
2. Take your time and speak simply. Make short sentences: get the basic point across. “Where is there a restaurant?” is good enough. You may not have time for: “Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering if you had any recommendations for a place to eat nearby?” Five-year olds get their points across beautifully with no frills. Be that way!
3. Pronounce well and enjoy the sounds of the language. The better your accent is, the more pleasant your performance will be for your audience. Pronunciation creates rapport. Approach the sounds as beautiful music, not as a rare form of torture.
4. Prepare your encounters. If you can! Look up the vocabulary; rehearse what you will want to say. You are an actor playing a part. Rehearse your lines!
5. Record yourself. You will be amazed how much you will catch after the fact. You will understand much more, and you will see how you could improve your performance.
These five simple ideas can help you improve your ability to interact in the new language radically.
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