Have you ever wondered how you can have strong conversation skills to communicate with others? We use conversation skills in various daily contexts, such as at school, college, work, shops, or restaurants.
Having strong conversation skills is essential to communicate effectively with others, as well as the ability to convey information and meaning through speech. Improving conversation skills is an integral part of children’s language development when they are building relationships. Listening to people and engaging with their words is a crucial skill that conveys politeness and strengthens emotional bonds. For children, conversation skills help them to gain confidence and sustain friendships. Therefore, we’re presenting our best 8 ways to improve your conversation skills fast and efficiently.
1. Take time with your pronunciation
The first step in improving your conversation skills is learning to pronounce words correctly. You might know many words, but if you fail to misspell them, it’s okay, and take it as an opportunity to help you to find out which part of your communication skills are missing. Then, it’s time for you to fulfill your English dictionary by just learning it from your mistakes.
2. Learn new words through songs and movies
The English spoken in movies and songs is very natural. It’s also close to what you’ll hear if you talk with native English speakers. In contrast, The English you learn through textbooks is not what you’ll hear people say in daily life. Moreover, you will learn English words in context. The problem with learning new words with vocabulary lists is that you can understand what words mean but not know how and where they are used. Most of all, songs and movies are a fun way to learn new vocabulary.
3. Communicate with body language
Body language, or nonverbal communication, is not about what you’re saying but about how you say it and what your body is doing while talking. Body language is a way to better your conversation by using your facial expressions, hand gesticulation, and posture in your favor. Non-verbal behaviors can allow people to be at ease and build trust and connections with others. However, they can confuse others, generate tension, and create an uncomfortable environment.
4. Make eyes contact during conversation
Eye contact is a sign that you happen to be a good listener. Maintaining eye contact with the person you are talking to indicates that you are focused and paying attention. It means that you are listening to what the person has to say. In addition, your eyes are a way of building a connection with the other person. This could tell you like that person. As a result, you feel comfortable talking and communicating with the person.
5. Don’t rush. Slow down and take breaks
When we’re nervous, it’s effortless to sputter to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. Often, this will make you mumble, stammer, or say something wrong. So instead, try to speak at about half the speed you naturally want to, taking breaks to breathe and for emphasis. This can make you sound more thoughtful and help you relax.
6. Balance asking and sharing
During a conversation, don’t focus all your attention on the other person or yourself. Try to keep the conversation balanced. Being curious is about being ready to learn. Encourage people to talk about something they’re experts in. Asking about something you don’t know doesn’t make you look stupid. On the contrary, it makes you look engaged and interested.
7. Be confident
Be confident in what you say and in your communication interactions with others. Being confident can be as easy as maintaining eye contact, maintaining a relaxed body stance, and talking with concision. Don’t be afraid of being excited about meeting someone new. When you express interest in people and listen to them, they will open up to you, and your conversations will turn into something meaningful.
8. Find a native speaker to talk to
This is a very effective way to improve not only your speaking but your listening, vocabulary, and grammar skills as well. You can find a native speaker to talk with through video or voice calls. You can even ask that person to correct you whenever you mistake or mispronounce a word.
About Sensay
Experience the simplicity and magic of Sensay, one of the most popular English-speaking practice platforms. We offer various exercises for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills to be more fluent by submitting their 30-second voice recordings daily. Users can review scores and see which words are wrong. With Sensay, easily try different reading, image, video, self-practice, and Q&A speaking exercises. For more information visit our YouTube page or email us at info@oksensay.com to let us know what you think about Sensay!