10 Tips to Improve Speaking

Some say, as long as you can speak English and the person you're talking to understands you, that's fine. But what if you are asked to provide a speech about a particular topic? Or, when your big boss asked a random question out of the blue while you are both stuck in the elevator? I think it would be nice if we have at least a guideline to follow so we can speak with ease and confidence.

Here's a checklist to keep in mind:

1. The talk answers the question asked
2. Point of view or position is clear
3. Talk is direct and well-organized
4. Sentences are logically connected (use transition phrases!)
5. Details and examples support the main idea
6. Speaker expresses complete thoughts
7. The meaning is easy to comprehend
8. A wide range of vocabulary is used
9. There are minor or no errors in grammar
10. The talk in within the alloted time

And to greatly improve on this, all we need to do is practice, practice, practice.

Z and S Sounds

I've learned something new today (that before seemed unnoticeable) - english words ending with the z or s sounds. Now these words are very common. Wouldn't it be nice to sound correct when we're using them in our sentences?

Here's a list:

(z) abuse (verb)

(s) abuse (noun)

(z) lose

(s) loose

(z) peas

(s) piece/peace

(z) eyes

(s) ice

(z) fears

(s) fierce

(z) rise

(s) rice

(z) plays

(s) place

(z) knees

(s) niece

(z) advise

(s) advice

(z) raise

(s) race

Read them out loud and practice pronouncing them properly. Now...go!

Speak, Write and Listen

If you want to be successful, good communication skills nowadays are vital. In fact, a lot of job recruiters seek candidates who can speak and write well. Understanding this notion, I decided to improve myself in these areas. One immediate action I took is, to write a blog. I want to express my thoughts in writing since I do not have a problem expressing them verbally. I’ve always been fond of keeping a journal, and I one of my dreams is to publish my written works someday.

Good thing I worked in a Call Center company – my listening and verbal skills were greatly honed and practiced. I had the chance to listen to North Americans and conserve with them in a daily manner, for more than a year. So to start of with this blog, let me share tips for Good Listening. Here's a list:

1.Keep an open mind.
2.Maintain eye contact.
3.Watch your body language.
4.Listen for key ideas and understanding.
5.Rephrase what the speaker is saying.
6.Ask questions.
7.Evaluate.

I’ll be sharing other tips in my next entries to come.