Have you been practicing speaking English for a while and feel like you are not getting any better? Or maybe you felt like you saw rapid improvement when you first started learning English, and now your progress seems to have plateaued? If so, you’re not alone. Stalled progress is a very common problem when learning a new language. Fortunately, there are ways you can get past the hump and keep your progress on track. Check out my top four reasons you may not be seeing improvements and how to fix them:
- Time commitment: How much time are you dedicating to your learning? Whatever you are currently doing, I want you to double it. In order for your skills to improve, you need to put in enough time to make progress and allow the changes to sink it.
- Focus: Distractions like interruptions from friends and family, surfing online or your mind being elsewhere, can prevent you from being fully present when you are trying to learn English. Let others know that this is your time not to be disturbed, and give your study or practice one hundred percent of your attention. You wouldn’t surf the internet during a meeting with a client or not show up because you got busy. Be at least as generous with yourself.
- Review: If you don’t block out time to review, you will lose the material you just learned. Remember practice makes perfect! For the best results, vary how you practice your skills. For example, use a new sound in a variety of words or practice using a new vocabulary word in different sentences and situations.
- Engagement: One of the best ways to solidify your progress is to use your new skills in real-life situations. Put yourself in situations that will allow you to use what you have learned. I know it sounds a bit scary, but all growth happens outside of your comfort zone. So, get out there and put what you have learned into action and watch your English improve. Who knows, you might even make a few new friends.
If you’re looking for more ways to take your communication to the next level, make sure to pick up a free copy of my e-book “Communicate with Clarity and Confidence!” by subscribing to our newsletter community on our website. In this free resource, I break down the myriad factors that contribute to confident communication and guide you through how to use each aspect to your advantage.
Do you want to take your communication to the next level? Give us a call and see how Corporate Speech Solutions can improve your professional life! Call us at 212-308-7725 or send us an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com to learn more. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
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