How to speak
English with
confidence
www.britishcouncil.org
What’s in
this guide?
• How to overcome challenges
in English conversation
• Online resources to boost
conversational skills
• Tips for improving
conversation skills
• Key takeaways from
this guide
Contents
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Overview
Having conversations in English is extremely rewarding – but
it also takes confidence. Strong conversational skills in English
can open the door to further career and academic opportunities.
Conversational skills also make travel easier and can help you
make more English-speaking contacts and friends.
But, of course, it’s normal to feel a bit worried about speaking
in another language. You might be worried about being
misunderstood or find it hard to keep up with the fast pace
of expert speakers.
So how can you develop the confidence and skills to improve
your English language conversations?
The good news is everyone can improve with the right guidance
and support. That’s why we’ve put together this guide full
of practical advice and resources to help you, so that you can
become an expert at having conversations in English.
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How to overcome
challenges in English
conversation
If you want to start talking to people in English, but don’t quite
have the confidence, these tips will help you get started right
away! You’ll feel comfortable, and the conversation will be
enjoyable, even while you’re still learning English.
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Dealing with
fast talkers
People who are fluent in English sometimes speak
too quickly for learners to process. They may also
blend words or phrases and even miss syllables.
When you have trouble understanding someone,
you may worry about your listening abilities.
However, dealing with fast talkers is a common issue,
especially when having your first conversations
outside of the classroom.
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You can follow
conversations more
easily and encourage
others to speak more
slowly with these tips.
• Practise asking speakers to slow down: Learn ways to ask people to speak
more slowly (see the ‘Useful language’ section below). You can practise saying
the phrases in a friendly tone. You’ll be less likely to freeze when someone speaks
too quickly for you and you can ask them to slow down in a polite, yet confident, manner.
• Watch people as they talk: Mouth movements, facial expressions and body language
give you important clues about what a speaker means. For example, people often smile
when they talk about something that makes them happy. That means you should look
at people as they talk to you and avoid looking away out of shyness.
• Focus on keywords: Learners sometimes try to translate everything they hear
instead of focusing on the general meaning. But you don’t usually need every word
to understand a sentence. Just hearing ‘traffic’ and ‘missed’ and ‘flight’ could tell
you what you need to know, for instance.
• Listen to authentic conversations on the TV, radio or podcasts: You can learn
how different words and phrases sound when people say them quickly. As you’re just
listening, you won’t have the pressure to reply, and you can replay or get subtitles
for especially challenging dialogues.
• Learn the ways native speakers modify their speech as they talk: You’re probably
already aware of contractions like ‘doesn’t’ and linking like ‘gonna’. But did you know
some accents drop the letter ‘t’ from the middle of words? Understanding all the ways expert speakers change sounds as they speak quickly can help you recognise
modified words and phrases more easily.
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Exercise 1
Answers – Exercise 1
1. surprised, smartphone, birthday.
2. picnic, cancelled, rain
3. burnt, dinner, takeaway
4. party, celebrate, promotion
5. late, alarm, woken
Underline the keywords in each sentence,
e.g. I need to buy some eggs at the supermarket.
1. My best friend surprised me with a new smartphone for my birthday.
2. The picnic is cancelled today because the forecast said there would be rain.
3. Alex burnt our dinner so badly that I had to order takeaway instead.
4. Let’s have a party to celebrate my new promotion at work.
5. I’m sorry but I’ll be late because my alarm didn’t go off, and I’ve only
just woken up.
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Clarifying
misunderstandings
Some confusion is normal – or even
expected – when you have conversations
in English. Words can sound similar or
have multiple meanings, so even proficient
English speakers make mistakes!
Luckily, there are lots of ways to check
understanding without disrupting the
flow of the conversation.
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• Simply admit that you don’t understand what somebody said.
It’s better to ask for clarification than try to guess what somebody said. Although you may feel self-conscious, remember that misunderstandings
are a normal part of conversation. People don’t always clearly explain
what they mean!
• Repeat statements and questions you’re unsure of. Instead
of asking directly what someone said or meant, you can repeat their
words. If you’ve misunderstood or misheard something, the speaker
will correct you. You can also try paraphrasing. Say someone asks
for your surname, you could ask ‘My family name?’ before responding.
• Ask follow-up questions. Getting more details about what someone
is saying can help you understand them better. You can simply ask how
a situation made someone feel or what happened next. Asking questions
is also a natural way to show interest in what somebody’s talking about.
• Request and provide examples. Sometimes, the easiest and fastest
way to explain an idea is to ask the speaker to give examples. That might
be the category the idea belongs to or a story about it. For instance,
you might not know the word ‘physicist’, but you’ve probably heard
of Albert Einstein.
• Use non-verbal language and props. You can use everything from
hand gestures and mime to photos and quick drawings to get your
meaning across. Acting out a story can even make the conversation
more fun. Just be careful not to spend too much time looking for
images on your phone and making the other person wait.
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Exercise 2
Match each statement to the hand gesture that fits it best.
1. ‘The food tasted great, but my portion was only this big.’
2. ‘Those bags look heavy. Here, I’ll help you.’
3. ‘Don’t let go of the kite string or it’ll blow away.’
4. ‘I really hope Sam gets the promotion.’
5. ‘I thought the tree branches were a monster trying to get me.’
A
Answers – Exercise 2
1. A
2. D
3. E
4. B
5. C
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B
C
D
E
Keeping
conversation
engaging
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Classes often focus on practical English
conversations, like getting directions or
buying tickets. However, many people talk
to get to know others better and have fun.
The good news is
that you don’t have
to be fluent to make
people want to talk
to you, as the following
tips will show you!
• Let yourself make mistakes: If you make sure everything you say is accurate before
you say it aloud, you’ll speak slowly and robotically. There’s no need to be perfect as
long as everyone can understand you. Some of the most popular celebrities who speak English as a second language, like Sofía Vergara and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have
strong accents and make occasional errors.
• Stick to the basics: Expert speakers don’t use complex grammar and vocabulary
when they can say things more simply. By doing the same thing, you can sound more
natural and make conversations smoother. You’ll also be less likely to make mistakes
when using basic grammar.
• Use affirmative noises and statements: Sometimes you need time to process
what somebody said or what you want to say. You can make noises like ‘Hmm’
or say ‘Let me think’ to fill the gaps in the conversation and show others you’re
thinking about what they said.
• Make generalisations: If you don’t know a specific phrase, you can often use more
general words and phrases. That means you could say ‘I travelled a long, long way’
instead of giving the exact distance in miles or kilometres.
• Describe unknown words and phrases: Translator tools can help you explain your
ideas but may disrupt conversations. Quick descriptions often work better. For example, you can say, ‘I went to the zoo and saw those yellow and brown animals with long
necks’, and most people will understand.
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Exercise 3
Answers – Exercise 3
1. I studied all night but
2. You must
3. I’ve lost my wallet and my keys.
4. if it rains
5. can you take
1)
A: Despite the fact that I studied all night, I failed the exam.
B: Don’t worry. It’s very difficult, and you’ll get it next time.
Replace the underlined phrases
with simpler grammar, e.g.
Would you be able to hold
my bag for me?
(Could you hold my bag for me?)
2)
A: It is essential that you arrive on time for classes.
B: I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.
3)
A: You look mad. What’s wrong?
B: I’ve not only lost my wallet but also my keys.
4)
A: The weather forecast looks bad for next week.
B: Well, in the event that it rains, we will cancel the BBQ.
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5)
A: Please would you mind taking my photo for me?
B: Sure. Just tell me how to use the camera.
Useful
language
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Asking someone
to repeat themselves
• I’m sorry, can you repeat that / say that again?
• Could you go over that again?
• I’m afraid I didn’t get/catch that.
• What was the last thing you said?
• Can you go back to the bit about …?
• I missed what you said about …
Learning and practising useful language helps you know
what to say when you find conversations challenging.
That means you’ll be able to overcome problems faster
and focus on enjoying the conversation. If you can make
yourself sound casual and confident, you can make
any mistakes, pauses or misunderstandings sound
like a natural part of speech.
Encouraging someone
to speak more slowly
• I’m learning English. Could you speak more slowly, please?
• Can you say that again more slowly?
• I’m not following you. Please can you slow down?
• I’m having trouble keeping up. Please can you talk a little slower?
Checking the meaning of
an unknown word or phrase
• I don’t know that word. What does it mean?
• I’ve never heard that word before. Please can you explain it?
• Is that a type of [...]?
• What does a/an [...] look like?
• Please, can you describe a/an [...] for me?
• What’s an example of a/an [...]?
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Describing an unknown
word or phrase
• It looks/sounds/feels + adjective
• It looks/sounds/feels like a/an + noun
• It’s like …
• It’s a type of …
• It’s similar to …
Giving examples and context
• For example / for instance …
• Here’s an example to show you what I mean.
• This is a good example of what I’m talking about.
• You probably know it from …
• You can often find it in …
• It’s popular in …
Using statements and sounds
to give yourself extra time
• Hmm …
• Well …
• I see …
• Let me think.
• I need to think about that for a second.
• That’s an interesting question.
• Give me a second to think about that.
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Online
resources
to boost
conversation
skills
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Finding ways to practise conversations can
be challenging. If you live in your home country,
your teacher and classmates may be the only
English speakers you know. Even those of you
who live abroad may find yourselves surrounded
by people who only speak your first language.
That’s why it’s not surprising that more and more
learners rely on online resources. You can find
everything from classes to social events nowadays.
In particular, the British Council provides a wide
range of resources you can use to develop
your skills and gain confidence.
Online lessons
Speaking activities
You can find activities to practise your speaking skills
on our LearnEnglish website. You can improve your
speaking by noticing the language we use in different
situations and practising useful phrases.
Learn more
Video playlists
Explore our YouTube channel which has a variety
of lessons and workshops. We release new content
every week.
Arrange one-to-one or group lessons with experienced
British Council teachers. They’re available 24/7,
so you can take them wherever you are.
Find your class
Learn more
Sounds Right app
Download our pronunciation app so that you can learn
all the sounds in the English language and when to
use them. You can also find a guide to the phonetic
alphabet, so you can understand pronunciation
from dictionary definitions.
Download here
Podcasts
Community events
Join our 30-minute lessons on Facebook and YouTube
where learners can ask our teachers anything. You can
make and answer comments in English and meet other
students from around the world.
IELTS practice tests
If you’re preparing for the IELTS test, you need a specific
kind of speaking practice. Our sample tests can show you
what the test will be like and help you prepare effectively.
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Listen now
Get started
LearnEnglish videos
Learn more
Develop your listening skills and learn more everyday
English with our series of intermediate podcasts.
Our hosts chat about everything from how much the
British love their pets to London’s famous red buses.
Watch videos of English conversations on our
app. You can slow the speed and read transcripts
if you have trouble understanding. There are also
exercises to practise the language you learn.
Watch now
Lessons in one of our centres
You can learn English in one of our centres, no matter
your age or objective. We have classes suitable for
young children, teens and adults - all led by engaging,
experienced and professional teachers.
Find a class near you
Tips for improving
conversation skills
The time it takes to develop conversation skills depends
on how often you practise and how you learn English.
For example, someone who’s moved to the UK to study
will probably become fluent faster than a person who’s
taking one or two classes a week in their home country.
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No matter your circumstances, there’s some general advice
you can take to improve faster. Our tips will help you get
started, show you more opportunities to practise and make
your conversation practice more effective.
‘The possibility of meeting and talking to
wonderful people from all around the world
from different cultures gives you a feeling
that you are a citizen of the world without
leaving your home.
I am no longer afraid to speak and I’m ready
for new challenges. I’m more valued at work
as a result of strengthening my language skills.’
— English student (Izabela, April 2023)
• Be patient: Becoming fluent in a language takes time. Although you may
find it frustrating when you’re unable to express yourself, you’re still learning. Every conversation is a step towards your goal.
• Practise regularly: Try to speak English every day to get yourself in the habit,
even if it’s just for ten or fifteen minutes. The more you use the language,
the more natural making conversation will feel.
• Challenge yourself: Talk about new topics with teachers and classmates.
Then, when someone mentions an unfamiliar subject outside the classroom, you’ll be more prepared for the situation.
• Meet other learners online: Don’t limit yourself to talking to teachers
and classmates. Having conversations with people all over the world via
lessons or social media can familiarise you with different accents and give
you different perspectives on how to learn.
• Ask for feedback: When speaking in English, ask your conversation partner how you could improve. To make it easier for them, make sure your questions
are specific, like ‘Am I pronouncing this word right?’ or ‘Is this something
an expert speaker would say?’
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• Learn new vocabulary every week: As you learn more words, you can
talk about a wider variety of topics. Pick vocabulary that’s relevant to you
so that there’s a better chance you’ll be able to use it in conversation.
I feel more confident about my skills.
I’ve learned a lot about grammar, vocabulary
and pronunciation.
It has been a very good experience to interact
and learn English in a diverse and online
environment. You have plenty of resources,
learning types and opportunities to talk and
receive feedback.
— English student (Maria, May 2023)
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• Use a variety of resources: Relying on the same textbooks and attending
the same classes every week can make speaking English feel like a chore.
You can keep the experience fresh by using a range of materials and activities.
Changing the people you practise with means you’ll be more likely to have
new topics to talk about too.
• Write down useful vocabulary: If you keep hearing a word or phrase
during conversations, make a note of it. This vocabulary is not only useful
but you’ll find it easier to learn after listening to it repeatedly in context.
• Set small, short-term goals: Learners usually make gradual steps toward
fluency. You can measure your progress by giving yourself targets for the
month, or even the week. For example, ‘I will order a takeaway pizza from
my favourite restaurant without using the translator tool on my phone.’
• Get involved in English-speaking events: Many cities have groups
with foreigners that organise meet-ups or activities. You can find them
on social media or some organisations’ websites.
• Talk to yourself: All practice is beneficial as you can get better at
pronouncing difficult words and saying common phrases fluently. You can
read out loud, talk about what you’re doing or keep an audio diary.
Key
takeaways
from this
guide
Although developing conversational skills has its challenges,
learners often find it the most rewarding part of learning English.
There are not only professional and academic advantages
but also the ability to connect with more people globally.
A common barrier to developing conversation skills is a lack
of confidence. Learners may feel uncertain of their ability
and self-conscious about talking to fluent English speakers.
However, you can boost your confidence by:
• identifying common issues and practising how to handle them
• making the most of online resources and support
• staying motivated and focused on your learning goals
• following the best ways to practise conversation in English.
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About
the British
Council
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We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the
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