IELTS Tips: How to Talk Like a Native English Speaker

Although enrolling in an excellent IELTS online preparation program boosts your chances of test success, it is still vital that you take measures to improve your English speaking skills on your own. Here are eight ways to build your verbal communication skills up to the level of a native English speaker.

Build up your vocabulary

Every day, add a minimum of three new words or phrases to your vocabulary. Make sure you integrate them into your conversations. Ask your IELTSonline course instructors for vocabulary recommendations. This ensures that the words and phrases you learn will be useful in the high-stakes exam.

Learn slang and idiomatic expressions

Native English speakers use a lot of idioms and slang when they communicate. So, make an effort to learn at least one slang or idiomatic expression every day. Using these expressions will not only show the IELTS examiner that you have a good grasp of the language, but it will also help you prepare for your life abroad. Your IELTS online course instructor can give you a list of useful expressions for the exam.

Think in English.

Not only will this practice help you get used to communicating in English faster, but it also contributes to better decision-making skills. Thinking in English makes you more objective and critical.

Transcribe video clips.

To talk like a native English speaker, you must first learn how to keep up with how they speak. A good way to accomplish this is by transcribing videos. Choose an English show—it can be anything from a newscast to a YouTube video—to transcribe. If you selected a movie, do not transcribe the entire film. Just pick a random dialogue. After transcribing your chosen moment, check your work by activating the video’s subtitle. If it does not have a subtitle feature, ask someone to assess your transcription.

Pay attention to how intonation and pauses alter messages.

Watch English shows and observe how the characters communicate. Pinpoint stressed words and significant pauses in dialogue. If you cannot decide on what film to watch, ask your IELTS onlinepreparation coaches for their recommendations.

Familiarize yourself with various English accents.

Watch films and shows from various English-speaking countries to learn how to recognize their respective accents.

Use tongue twisters.

Mastering at least one tongue twister every day will help you improve your pronunciation skills.

Take every opportunity to speak in English

Explain your desire to study the language to your family and friends so that they can help you practice English.

Get a high score in the IELTS speaking exam by learning how to speak like a native English speaker. Incorporate these practices into your IELTS online preparation efforts to increase your chances of IELTS success.


REFERENCES: 

"7 Expert Tips for Native Fluency—Learn American English." Go Natural English. October 06, 2016. Accessed September 26, 2017. http://gonaturalenglish.com/7-expert- tips-for- native-fluency- learn- american-english/.

Monika. "How to Speak English Like A Native Speaker." Swap Language. April 11, 2017. Accessed September 26, 2017. https://swaplanguage.com/blog/speak-english- like-native- speaker/.

Quynhnguyen. "How to Speak English Like a Native: 5 Practical Tips." FluentU English. Accessed September 26, 2017. http://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/speak-english- like-a- native/.

"Real Life English—Tips for Speaking Like a Native English Speaker." Really Learn English. Accessed September 26, 2017. http://www.really-learn- english.com/real-life- english.html.