Page 93 - English_F5

English

DID YOU ?
KNOW

Throughout the exchange, Alex asks Sofia for advice on how to use oral English
skills in both non-spontaneous and spontaneous conversations. Sofia advises Alex to
practise word stress emphasising the need for timing in spontaneous conversations
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to develop a natural rhythm. Sofia underscores the need for preparation, precise
oral skills, and self-recording to find areas for development for non-spontaneous
conversations like presentations. Sofia suggests that another useful strategy is to
replicate the rhythm, stress patterns, and intonation of native speakers. The pair
talk about working with a speech coach and online resources like YouTube courses
and Apps. Alex thanks Sofia for the advice and says he is excited to start practising
spoken English skills correctly. Sofia wishes Alex success and encourages him to
practise regularly.
Basically, correct oral English will improve your ability to hold and follow
conversations using English in various contexts and with different native speakers.
When someone speaks with proper oral English skills, he/she can be understood
by others. In addition, proper oral skills enable one to confidently and clearly
communicate ideas. Accurate knowledge of oral English skills is the foundation
for clear speech and grammar. Therefore, practising your oral English skills will
help you to speak more clearly, and enhance the possibility being understood by
your hearers and listeners. The following techniques will assist you in enhancing
your oral English skills in spontaneous and non-spontaneous conversational
contexts.

(i) Develop a habit of listening to fluent English speakers
Correct oral English skills have to be learned. They are not innate. Listening
to proficient speakers in different conversations is one way of learning how
to pronounce words correctly and speak fluently with authentic rhythm and
intonation. This will help you learn how to pronounce words that you were unable
to pronounce correctly, in addition to assisting you in using vocabulary in natural
contexts.
(ii) Think back on the conversation you were engaged in

Reflect on any recent conversation or presentation to identify areas where oral skills
may have been problematic and take steps to improve for future communications.
For instance, consider questions like, “How confident was I while speaking?” and
pinpoint words that proved challenging to articulate.

(iii) Recognise the essential vocabulary
Before your presentation, compile a list of key vocabulary items that will be used.
Conduct brief research to identify the crucial words, terminology to be used or

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