Why Talking To Yourself Is A Great Way To Practice Your Speaking Skills.
There is no denying that speaking is an integral part of learning a new language. However, for some of us, learning to speak with accuracy, fluency AND confidence comes with many challenges. Out of the four key skills, speaking the foreign language tends to be the most daunting and stressful.
Unfortunately, there are no magic shortcuts to speaking fluently. But, what measures can you take to build up that desired confidence? Well, one of the best ways to improve your speaking skills is by talking to a native. However, if you are not confident enough to face another person, then this is where self-talk comes in to save you from awkwardness and blank stares. With this method, you will no longer have the feeling of wanting the earth to swallow you whole.
What Is Self-Talk And Why Is It A Great Technique?
In simple terms, self-talk means talking out loud to yourself in the foreign language. Indeed, it may appear to be weird and strange at first, yet it is an effective tool that will help you to improve your overall language skills.
Through self-talk, you can:
- Practice the language at your convenience.
- Talk about any topic that you would like.
- Get comfortable with the language.
- Experiment with new words and phrases.
- Find out your strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus on sounding more natural.
- Work on memorising new vocabulary.
Self-talking might be uncomfortable in the company of others, so just find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and then talk to yourself in your target language. That way, there will be no audience and the fear of being judged will immediately dissipate. As such, this will enable you to not only gradually build up some self-confidence, but also to enhance your ability to process the language. Now, you don’t have to literally talk out loud like how you usually would when communicating with others. In fact, whispering to yourself would suffice so that you are still exercising your vocal chords and familiarising yourself with particular mouth movements. Essentially, the more you practice to produce the language orally, the more natural it will feel later on.
Well, What Am I Meant To Talk To Myself About?
Indeed, you may feel somewhat overwhelmed at first about what to say. But that’s the best part! You can talk about absolutely anything that you want! You can take part in an imaginary interview, pretend you are with your friends at a restaurant, talk about your favourite movies, for instance. Alternatively, you can simply speak your thoughts (but in English, of course). And if you are still stumped on ideas, then find an article that interests you and read it out loud. The options are seemingly endless.
Practice is practice at the end of the day, and even if you don’t have anyone to correct your mistakes, the simple act of speaking English will slowly fill you with comfort and confidence.
So, why not inject some silliness into your language learning journey and talk to yourself every now and then. Remember, you don’t need to be fluent in the language to self-talk. Rather see it as a journey of curiosity, learning, discovery and small victories.
Have you tried this technique? If so, let us know how it goes!