Many people hold onto this widely spread myth when learning a new language:
But I don’t practice English since I don’t know anyone who speaks it with me.
Not true.
We often think we need a partner to help us practice speaking, but it’s not completely true. Oftentimes, working alone is when progress is made most quickly.
This article will explain why it’s important, and how to speak English all the time, even by yourself.
🎯 Why Practice Alone?
Speaking alone:
Builds fluency and confidence.
Helps you think in English.
Removes the fear of judgment.
Lets you practice anytime, anywhere.
It’s like working out: the more you use your speaking skills, the easier it gets for you to communicate clearly with others.
🧠 “But who do I talk to?”
Here’s the trick: You engage in self-talk; however, it’s not just for talking’s sake. This is known as self-talk or solo practice, and it turns out to be very effective.
Here are 5 simple methods to improve your English speaking skills alone.
🗣️ 1. Narrate Your Day
Speak out loud while you perform basic actions.
Envisage telling someone your reasons behind your actions.
Examples:
“I’m brushing my teeth now.”
“I have to take the bus at 8:30 in the morning.”
“I’m cooking rice. First, I add water…”
It allows people to speak and understand language with ease.
2. Use a Mirror
Sit in front of a mirror and start having a conversation with yourself. Pretend you’re in a conversation. Pay attention to your gestures and how you express yourself while talking.
Try this:
Ask yourself questions like:
“How was your day?”
“What do you think of the modern trend of using social media?”
“Have you ever asked yourself what you’d do if you became a lottery winner?”
Try to respond as well as you can, making sure to fill each sentence with your words.
📱 3. Record Yourself
Make recordings of yourself speaking on your phone, either through audio or video.
Benefits:
You can hear your pronunciation.
You will see some mistakes you missed during the meeting.
You’ll track progress over time.
Try starting out by doing 30-second workouts. Choose a topic you enjoy and talk to them about it.
📖 4. Read Aloud
You can read out loud from an English book, an article, or even from the subtitles of a movie.
This improves:
Pronunciation.
Rhythm.
Confidence with new vocabulary.
Tip: Try to use the same flow and intonation as a native does when reading.
🎧 5. Use the Shadowing Technique
In shadowing, you listen to the speaker and say what they said, almost as soon as they finish.
How to do it:
Choose a video segment that is only 1-2 minutes long.
Listen and repeat word-for-word.
Work on improving the way you speak by focusing on tone, how fast you talk, and your pronunciation.
This way of practicing is extremely effective for practicing fluency by yourself.
🧭 How Regularly Should Practice Happen?
Doing a short session every day is great to help maintain your progress.
It is better to practice a little often than to do one long session.
If you’re busy, try:
5 minutes while cooking
Carrying on conversations as you walk to your destination
2 minutes of looking in the mirror before turning in for the night
💬 Final Thought: You’re Never Truly Alone
By practicing English conversations with yourself, you help your brain practice communicating. The goal, in the end, is connection, not achieving perfection. You don’t need a partner. It is important to use your way of expressing yourself, so start your journey today!
Focus Language is the perfect place to start your English journey. Call 77088 65123 to book your seat today!
