Speaking Resources

What kind of resources would you like to see? There are a few blogs and websites linked that will help you get started with speaking. And there are also some links to help those that are intermediate or more advance. This page gets updated with new resources at least once every 2 weeks. The more resources I have the more this page will be updated. So please send me any resources that you know. Enjoy!

Speaking Advice

  • Set aside time to practice improvised conversations. This involves speaking about a given topic without any time for preparation. This helps prepare you for real-life interactions by helping you think quickly on your feet. I know many people have problems thinking quickly in their target language.
  • How to become a better speaker. To be a better speaker, you will also need to become a better reader, listener, and writer. Reading teaches you how sentences are formed and provides insight into word contexts. Listening teaches how these sentences and words sound. And lastly, writing allows you to practice forming sentences and conjugating words. And all together, those 3 skills help transform you into a better speaker. *Disclaimer: The 3 skills I mentioned have many more uses than what I had just specified. I just wanted to emphasize those few things.
  • Learn the slang and common phrases in your target language. Depending on the reason for learning your TL, learning slang will be vital for authentic communication and cultural integration or immersion. Just like in your native language, slang is used in informal everyday settings. Learning slang words will allow you to be able to engage in casual conversations, jokes, and other types of informal communication.

Have any resources, tips, or advice?

If so, please email them to me or submit them to the forum! If there is anything you would like to see on this website, please tell me! It doesn't have to be speaking specific. It could be for anything.

Fluency | Pronunciation | Advice

  • How to add Activities to your Schedule: The best way to have a balanced schedule that helps you to stay consistent is to only use 1-2 skills at a time (like speaking & listening or writing & reading). The amount of activities you do is up to you, but you should keep in mind the amount of time it would take, how difficult it may be, and if the activity is actually worth your time. There may be some activities that aren’t worth your time because they don’t focus on your weaknesses, reinforce your learning, or just aren’t interesting or fun enough.
  • What type of activities should you do? The types of activities you will engage in should align with your goals while also addressing your weaknesses. For example, if you want to improve your speaking abilities, focusing on pronunciation, fluency, and expanding your vocabulary could be beneficial. If you struggle with thinking of what to say quickly in your TL, practicing improvised conversations can prove invaluable. Click here for additional resources on what activities to choose and why.
  • Importance of Pronunciation: Pronunciation directly impacts your ability to communicate effectively and to be understood by native speakers. Clear and accurate pronunciation allows for better comprehension, smoother conversations, and it even builds up confidence when speaking. Those who do not have proper pronunciation may struggle to convey their intended message. Messages may be misunderstood, confused, or even offending to others if said incorrectly. So take the time to practice pronunciation for improved clarity and a smoother experience when conversing with others.

    • Pronunciation Tips from (RedFoxEducation):

  • Practice word stress and intonation. - Word stress is the distinguishing factor for many words that have the same spelling but different meanings. Without word stress, you may end up confusing the people you are speaking with. Click here for resources on word stress or scroll down to look through the links shown below. *A great way to quickly search up how to say a word is to use an online dictionary for your target language.
    Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch in speech. In simpler terms, it shows your intentions, emotions, and attitudes while you’re speaking. Intonations also distinguish between a statement and a question in many languages. For more on this click here. The information on Intonation was also from this site.
  • Do mouth and lip exercises. Mimicking facial expressions and practicing using different parts of the mouth will help with clearer pronunciation. Many people struggle to roll their R’s and pronounce certain words in their target language. While practicing these exercises can help, not everyone will be able to do them. It is always better to keep trying and practicing in anything you do, but if you do find that you are unable to replicate certain movements, don’t be too disappointed.
  • Listen to native speakers. Listening to how native speakers pronounce words and sentences will help you to learn and understand natural rhythm and intonation. If you want some resources for listening to conversations click here. If you want resources specifically for pronunciation, click here.