Struggling with Communication and Job Interviews: Seeking Advice from Seniors

Hi everyone, I am Ramesh. I am searching for a job in finance. I am basically from a village. My problem is communication and the fear of attending the job, so I need suggestions from seniors. I am explaining my problems below:

1. My communication problem - how can I overcome it because due to that, I am rejecting so many interviews.
2. I am an MBA, but I am helping so many people without taking any benefits and wasting my time, so I am like an MSW. Is it right to do this?
3. I talk a lot without thinking. How can I overcome this?
4. I want to improve my English communication. How can I do it without wasting money?
5. I am from a village, and due to my environment, I am not able to cope with that. Please suggest to me.

Dear Ramesh,

Instead of worrying over your problems, seek solutions to them. Watch English news channels; listen to them attentively. Converse in front of the mirror; this works to develop your self-confidence. This has worked with my students.

Regards,
Avin
Soft Skills Facilitator

To improve your communication skills, try to communicate with others in English as much as you can. It will not only improve your communication but also your English.

Try to speak only when required. Avoid speaking unnecessarily.

I understand that you are from a village, and it's difficult to cope with the environment and surroundings, but remember it's only "Difficult," not "Impossible" :). Keep your will strong, and you can achieve anything. All the best :)

Dear Ramesh,

Please carefully consider the suggestions provided by your HR colleagues as they are very useful for improving your communication skills.

First and foremost, you need to have self-confidence and employ self-improvement techniques to grasp communication skills effectively. Work on boosting your self-confidence across all levels.

Make it a habit to read The Hindu English daily newspaper thoroughly without skipping any section. Pay attention to sentence construction, the flow of language, how authors develop content, and the drafting process in general. Engage in English conversations with your friends, family, and others regularly. Listen attentively to radio broadcasts, especially the "Spot Light" program aired on All India Radio daily at 9:30 PM. This program is particularly beneficial for understanding language techniques, pronunciations, and the development of content for easy comprehension.

Allocate at least an hour daily to enhance your writing skills in English by sitting in front of a computer. Focus on maintaining effective communication in English and pay close attention to sentence structure, grammar, content, and language while typing, to perfect your communication skills.

Best regards,
Suri Babu Komakula

Congrats, Ramesh! Since you are not the first person to embark on the quest of conquering a foreign yet global language. Simply put, once upon a time (2000 AD), I had a pathetic hold over this language. It took me around three years to change it all. I adopted the following strategy:

1. I watched BBC World and read English magazines and books on current affairs. Beware! Don't be under the illusion that it will also enhance your knowledge about the world. Rather, an overdose may increase your ignorance about the world. Use it only to strengthen your command over this language.

2. I bought an Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. I learned phonetic symbols. Then I started lapping up the alphabet from this dictionary. On average, it would take around 15 days for each alphabet. Knowledge of phonetic symbols ensured that I kept on cracking the so-called 'secrets of pronunciation.'

3. Learning words would not really help unless you start using them. So, I started maintaining a diary to write my thoughts.

4. I also started writing letters to editors on various issues. There is a catch here... even if you write a superb letter, it still may not find any newsprint as it may not subscribe to the newspaper's ideology. But in general, the number of letters getting published will give you at least some idea of where your writing skills stand.

Hi Ramesh,

The best way to improve your communication skills is by reading and watching English channels, sitting in front of the system, and searching on Google for grammar tests and other resources related to communication development.

Thank you,
Dorothy

ALL THE BEST

A lot of members from the fraternity have given very valuable suggestions and advice.

To improve your communication: start by reading English newspapers. Read from the first to the last page. Slowly see the difference in the language used to write different sections e.g. current affairs, business, sports; each is written, no doubt, in English, but the grammar, the tone, the words, and the construction of sentences will be different in each section. If you are not comfortable starting with newspapers, then start reading popular children's storybooks like Jataka Tales, Ramayana, Mahabharata. These books use simple words and illustrations to enable children to grasp the words and the meaning. You can slowly move on to reading newspapers and then watching BBC news, English movie channels, etc. While watching the movie channels, read the subtitles and also listen to the actors to know the pronunciation of the words. Forget the story of the movie; concentrate only on the pronunciation, phonetics, and the subtitles.

You talk too much without thinking: Learn the art of listening. Start with someone you trust. Get them to talk and listen to what they are saying. Develop listening skills. If you are tempted to butt in, pinch yourself to avoid interrupting.

Now to address your problem of talking without thinking: Whenever someone asks you a question or your opinion/viewpoint on something, take 10 seconds to clear your mind and put your thoughts together. Then answer clearly and precisely to the point.

Helping others is not a waste of time if they benefit. Besides, my guess is you are doing this because you like doing it. If you don't like doing it, then don't do it rather than saying, "I am doing but not benefiting." Sometimes in life, you do something for your inner satisfaction and not for what you can get out of doing it.

Being from a village is no excuse for failure. I have come across so many people who come from a rural background but are confidence personified. If you aren't confident, then the best way to gain confidence is to watch people around you. Learn how they walk, how they talk, how they carry themselves, and learn those mannerisms. It isn't difficult. Nobody is born with the proverbial golden spoon in their mouth. Everybody learns as they go along. How many of us are born with impeccable table manners? Most of us wouldn't have learned it while growing up. We learn by watching our surroundings, and in trying to blend in with the surroundings, we pick up the traits that are necessary.

I will end with two popular proverbs:

1. Rome wasn't built in a day or for that matter any city, so don't expect results overnight.

2. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. To blend in with city life, learn the traits, and before you know it, you would have blended in well.

All the best!

The excellent suggestion you received from Cite HR friends.

I had improved my speaking by talking on the help desk with people, like Vodafone helpdesk, as you are a little bit nervous when you try to speak English in front of anyone. When you talk on the phone and you don't know who is next to you, then you can talk more comfortably. Also, adapt to the style in which they ask questions. Try to give answers in English; don't feel it is wrong or right. After you talk 5-6 times, you automatically grasp and discern what is right and wrong. This is one of the good methods for finding an English-speaking environment. Now, when you ask the helpdesk people questions, you can call and inquire about new plans, tariffs, change procedures for changing tariff plans, and lots of other questions. Also, remember that calling from your mobile is free.

Hello Ramesh,

Can you let me know where you are currently situated? Also, please provide me with your number so that I can call you to answer your queries.

To improve your skills, you can enhance your English proficiency by reading English newspapers, listening to English channels, and trying to watch a Hollywood movie daily. The following day, you can discuss the movie's storyline with your friends and colleagues to further practice and strengthen your language skills.

Dear Ramesh,

It's good that you came to this platform with your problems. However, I can see that most of the points are not your problem but rather your ignorance, which I am trying to explain below.

(I am basically from a village) You are from a village, and this is not a problem. Everyone has their roots in the village. Did someone tell you that being from a village makes you unsuitable for this job?

(1. my communication problem) ----- Take an English newspaper, go to a lonely place where no one can hear you, read the newspaper loudly so that your voice may carry up to 50 meters. Try to pronounce the words in the same way as the newsreader on the BBC. Practice every single word. After 2 days, it will become much easier for you. Please try.

(2. I am MBA, but I am helping many people without taking any benefits and wasting my time, so I am like an MSW. So, my question is, is it right to do this?) ----- I am unable to understand this point. Please explain. It seems that this is not a problem.

(3. I am talking a lot without thinking. How can I overcome this?) ------ It is good that you are talkative. Keep it up. However, the problem is that you are not thinking. Start thinking. I am sure that when you start thinking, you will not be able to speak. In Hindi, old people say, "Beta jab sochoge to tumhaaree boltee band hojayegee."

(4. I want to improve my English communication. How can I do this without wasting money?) ----- Read English newspapers as I mentioned before and compare your speaking with the way BBC newsreaders speak.

(5. I am from a village, and due to my environment, I am not able to cope. Please suggest to me.) ------ Being from a village is not the problem; the issue lies with the people around you. Surround yourself with the kind of people you aspire to be.

REMEMBER THAT----- If you sit with a foundry man and gain nothing, you will at least get black smoke, dust, and heat. BUT if you sit with a perfumer and gain nothing, you will at least enjoy the good smell of perfumes.

I know this is hard to understand, but it is true.

Best of luck.

Dear Ramesh,

Believe in yourself. English used for verbal communication is very easy. You just need to religiously follow all the instructions given by the folks who have been giving you advice. Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavors.

Hi Ramash,
I give you one wonderful example – who you learn Hindi? When your age was 1year your communication likes this “Papa Mamma” and gradually and solely you are perfect in Hindi. Similarly try to speak in English or don't feel shame because English is not our mother tong language.
So I think you get my point, speak in English only.
All the Best!
Regards
Sweta

Hi,

You can improve on your own by reading any printed material in English, online articles, with the help of a dictionary, and also try to listen to the pronunciation of different words. Listen and learn.

Cheers

Dear Ramesh,

Probably, this website could be of immense use to you. Check out the link below:

[Learning English - Home](http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/)

Cheers!

Dear Ramesh,

English is the global language and a good command over it is a necessity of our times. The ability to express oneself clearly and confidently is given the highest importance during the evaluation process in recruitment. A small investment in improving communication skills can enhance one's chances of selection. Nobody is born with good communication skills - we need to practice to develop our communication abilities. You should surely try out the wonderful suggestions given by fellow members on CiteHR to improve your English communication.

However, it would be wrong to consider 'communication' synonymous with 'English fluency' alone. 'Communication' is basically the art of expression and exchange of information. As an MBA in Finance, there are plenty of job opportunities in front of you in the form of 'financial marketing/sales' profiles. You say you talk a lot and like extending help to people...in such a profile, you can actually make use of these talents. When you interact with more and more people, you will unconsciously improve upon your communication abilities, convincing skills, personal demeanor, self-confidence, and on top of that, you would get a handsome salary and the satisfaction of being self-dependent! To begin your career, bag such a profile, put in your best efforts, gain knowledge in your domain, have self-belief, and go for what you like doing best.

Hi Ramesh,

Look, there's no hard and fast rule for learning English. You just need to improve your confidence level and willpower. Do not ever think that due to being a villager, you lack knowledge. It's just a matter of 3 Cs, and they are: Conversation, Communication, and Concentration.

I hope you have understood my point and will start working hard on your weak areas.

The link is very useful. It is interactive and beneficial for people who need improvement in the English language.

Hi Ramesh,

From your writing, I feel you have good knowledge of English. Why do you fear English? You can excel at this level. Change your attitude to be positive.

All the best

Dear Ramesh,

First thing you need to keep in mind is that everything in this world is created by human beings, so be calm and patient. English is one of the languages, and to overcome communication barriers, try to understand and learn tenses like present tense, past tense, and future tense from grammar as they are the basis of any language communication. To increase your vocabulary, always read English newspapers aloud and try to understand the meanings to enhance your word power. If you don't understand the meanings of words, try to use a dictionary as much as you can. If you have any problems, feel free to post on citehr; we are here to help you.

Regards,
Sharad

Dear Ramesh,

Don't worry. There are many ways to improve your English communication skills. I will give you a few suggestions on how to improve:

1. Read an English newspaper every day.
2. Stand in front of a mirror and talk to yourself continuously for 5 minutes in English.
3. Try to speak in simple English with your friends.
4. Search on Google for free spoken English resources.
5. Listen to English music.

I hope these are easy methods that can help improve our communication skills. I also faced the same problem in the early stages of my career.

Dear Ramesh,

I think you have already taken the first step, and success is certain for you. It would be appropriate for you to listen to some English news channels to enhance your listening skills, understanding ability, and accent (to a certain extent). This would help you.

To build your vocabulary, you need to start with some simple texts like "Chandamama," "Twinkle," and Malayala Manorama's book called "Tell Me Why?" These resources will certainly assist you.

With a solid vocabulary foundation, you can gradually begin engaging in conversations with people and writing to them. During this time, I suggest taking some English communication classes. If you do this before, it may erode your hard-earned resources, i.e., money.

Jaikumar Ranganathan

Hi Ramesh,

I can very well understand this situation of yours. I took communication classes for students coming from grassroots levels - the village people, as you address it. What I used to make them do was to maintain a register in which you pick up any paragraph from the newspaper (any subject that interests you). Cut the article out, then paste it in the register, read it, mark the words that you don't know, and then look up the dictionary for the meanings. Write them down, and finally, make sentences with them. Now, the internet is a treasure house of knowledge. Make good use of the same. Answers.com will help you with pronunciation too, along with the meaning. And yes, as the seniors said, you should read and watch a lot of English stuff. I think newspapers are the best and cheapest resource around. Just as I was writing this all out to you, there's an advertisement on television - Tata Sky Active Services. So, look around for lots of resources. And yes, the grammar part can be well practiced with the really helpful exercise books of standard 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. These books can be purchased second hand too. That's my practical knowledge that I shared with you. Hope it's helpful to you in some way.

Dear Ramesh,

As you have mentioned your problem, I don't think you have a problem in English. You are very good at English, but in my opinion, I think you have a lack of confidence. Try to cope up with this problem. Don't think you are not a good communicator; think you are the best, no one else.

All the best!

My formula for learning any language: First learn to THINK in that language. Do not try to think in your mother tongue and then translate it to English. Many of us make that mistake, thus speaking "butler" English!!!

RE: English Communication Problem

I understand your problem very well. All the suggestions given so far would definitely help you, but my question to you is, IS THERE NO REQUIREMENT OF YOUR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION IN YOUR HOMETOWN - IF NOT IN YOUR VILLAGE? Is it important for you to be in the metros? I am sure your qualifications will hold more importance in your hometown where language would not be a barrier.

All the best,
N. ABROL

Dear Ramesh,

Nothing is impossible. Everything is possible, keep this in mind. Don't think too much about your communication problem because this is a global issue. Here are a few tips to overcome it without wasting money:

- As everyone says, read English newspapers and keep a dictionary with you. So, if you don't understand any new English words, you can check and learn them.

- Try to communicate with others in English as much as you can. It will not only improve your communication but also your English.

- Avoid using regional languages as much as possible.

I am sure employers will see your efforts and experience rather than just judging you based on your communication skills. I wish you good luck for your future.

Regards,
Ashifa

Hey Ramesh,

I think your problem is not so much about English. Rather, it's more about self-belief and self-confidence. I don't think one may get rejected in an interview just because of English. If so, everyone who can speak English would get selected, isn't it?

It's something to do with the way of talking rather than looking for an excuse for not getting selected. Do some homework before going for an interview. Read something. Familiarize yourself with the happenings of the world. Know yourself. Sharpen your axe.

Keep yourself updated with the world. Improve your knowledge. Impress the interviewer with your knowledge rather than impressing with English.

I am an MBA, but I am helping many people without taking any benefits and by investing my time. Therefore, I am similar to an MSW. So, my question is, is it right to do this? Please don't underestimate MSW.

Regards,
Mahadev

7 Things to Improve Your English Communication

English is very easy to learn. All you need to do is train yourself to speak English as comfortably as you speak your mother tongue. You need certain practice in your daily life. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Make Friends

Find a friend who also wants to improve their English and have lunch or dinner with them. Make it a habit and utilize the whole time for communicating in English. Introduce penalties if this rule is broken. This will help you improve your listening and speaking skills. If you don't have enough time to go out and meet people, at least you can chat a little by telephone. Play games printed in English that require some knowledge of English such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, Dictionary, etc. Before starting, come up with a repertoire of basic commands for playing and encourage the other players to speak only English. If you do this, no doubt you can improve your English speaking skills. What you need to do is keep practicing.

2. Read English Books Like Comics, Magazines, Entertainment

Comics are always full of idiomatic language and are very easy to understand, but some are difficult to understand the jokes and dialogue. So try to choose comics carefully. Usually, serious or adventure comics are easier to understand than funny ones. Choose the ones you feel most comfortable with and read them. Magazines are also useful for improving language and gaining knowledge. If you can read two versions of the same magazine, for example, Newsweek in your language and in English, that will help you understand easily.

3. Read a Translation into English

Choose a book that was originally translated into English, preferably from your own language. Even if you haven't read the book in your own language, you will find the English is written in a slightly simplified way that is more similar to how your own language is written than a book originally written in English would be. This will be easy for you to understand and learn the language.

4. Watch Films in Your Language with English Subtitles

If you find English films with English subtitles too difficult, watch films in your language. This is the best option to learn English. Local films with English subtitles can also help you attain a good command of the English language.

5. Watch the Same Film or TV Episode Over and Over Again

You can learn the language without having to study it. Some comedies can also get funnier the more you watch them, especially if you watch them with no subtitles and understand a little more each time you watch.

6. Learn and Use the Phonemic Script

There are many sounds in English; if you learn phonetics, you can understand these words. By learning the phonemic script, you can improve your pronunciation and get an idea of how to pronounce words. It can also make things easier for you by stopping you from trying to pronounce different spellings of the same pronunciation differently.

7. Read a Book with Lots of Dialogue

Dialogue is easier to understand than descriptive parts of a book and is more like the language you will want to learn to speak English.

Dear Ramesh,

This problem is faced by people who belong to Mumbai as well, so don't think that Mumbai people do not face communication problems. So, don't be negative about that part. You can improve your English by starting to read English newspapers. Initially, you may not understand much, but gradually, you will learn the meanings of words, making it an interesting endeavor. Additionally, please buy Gala's English Dictionary (English to Hindi) and then start watching English news channels.

Regards,

Jalpa Mehta
Assistant Manager - HR

---

Hi everyone, I am Ramesh. I am searching for a job in finance. I am basically from a village, and my problems include communication issues and fear of job interviews. I seek suggestions from seniors. Here are my specific problems:

1. How can I overcome my communication problem as it leads to rejection in many interviews?
2. Even though I have an MBA, I assist others without seeking any benefits, making me feel like I am pursuing an MSW. Is this the right approach?
3. I tend to talk a lot without thinking. How can I overcome this?
4. How can I improve my English communication without spending money?
5. Coming from a village, I struggle to adapt to the environment. Please advise me on coping strategies.

Thank you!

Daily, read any English newspaper and watch the English news channels. One more important thing is to improve your self-confidence.

Thank you.

Dear Ramesh,

The best way to improve your communication is reading English newspapers and novels. First, do this for a month. This will help you understand more about sentence formation, word usage, and grammar. After that, watch English news channels, English movies, and try to communicate in English. This practice will enhance your vocabulary. Another important aspect is to try thinking your thoughts in English, as it will aid you in better expression.

If you have a strong interest in learning, you can solve your problems soon. It all depends on your self-confidence and interest.

All the best!

Warm Regards,
Nidhin Sathianaryanan

Dear Ramesh,

The good thing is that you analyze yourself; the negative is that your perception to realize the analyzed outcomes as problems.

English communication is not a problem to overcome but rather a skill to practice. You don't have to worry that your English communication is not good, since English is not your mother tongue. Any skill could be achieved through constant practice. So, practice.

Rule No#: Right or Wrong Speak, When you are able to communicate through forums like citehr, sure you can practice and improve your English.

To stop talking without thinking is unacceptable. One cannot speak without thinking. You are thinking, but the problem is not concentrating or going in-depth on the subject, right? The solution is to do meditation. Search for a Pranic Healing Foundation nearby your area and practice "Twin Heart Meditation," which is very powerful to activate your heart and brain simultaneously. Therefore, you will become calm inside, which will give more clarity to your speech.

There is no need to waste money on learning English; there are millions of online sites where you can get basic English. Search for PDFs online, which will help you to a greater extent. If needed, post your email ID, and I will send some good basic materials to practice English.

Select a good group from your villagers and learn and practice English together.

"Life - A Lot When Expressed; Little When Experienced" - Best Regards, Fazal

Listening is the best way to improve your communication skills. Listen to English talk shows and surround yourself with all English materials like newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. Watch English films with subtitles. Research has shown that subtitles help a lot in language learning.

Dear Ramesh,

Stop thinking and start doing. Half of the time, you are wasting on thinking. Mirror exercise is a must every day (very important). No need to read the whole newspaper; however, concentrate on hobbies, job, current economic situation, and markets. Start thinking in English. If you feel your grammar is weak, search for a local tutor, preferably a Catholic one, to build a solid base - nothing wrong in it.

Read subtitles on Star Movies. Watch news analysis and observe the expressions of the persons - how they emphasize words, pause, smile, and use hand movements. Watch interviews to learn how to answer spontaneously in tricky questions.

All the best.

Regards,
Anila Vanjara

My dear friend,

Since you have an M.B.A., you must be well-versed in the English language. According to me, the only problem may be confidence and voice clarity. I suggest that you read any English article or written material aloud in front of a mirror, loudly, and record your voice. Listen to the recording to understand where you may be lacking, and then work on improving it.

I hope this advice may be helpful.

Regards,
C.M. Mohla

Hi Ramesh,

This is Sharma. I hope you are doing well. To overcome the communication problem in English, I suggest some tips. If you follow these tips, I am sure you can improve your communication skills. The following are the tips to follow:

1. Go through English grammar books.
2. Make a habit of reading newspapers and books. While reading, try to understand the meaning and construction of sentences. Also, try to find the meaning of words you don't know and then try to make sentences using those words.
3. Develop the habit of speaking in English with others.
4. Get involved in activities like Just a Minute topics and group discussions.
5. Lastly, try to increase your self-confidence, as it is the main essence for effective presentation.

I want to see you become a good orator soon. All the best!

Cheers,
Sharma

Dear Ramesh,

You can do one thing: Whenever you are free in your house, stand in front of a mirror and imagine yourself as an interviewer. Talk to him as much as you can in English. This technique helped me a lot when I was in 12th grade and couldn't speak English well. My teacher was very annoyed with me because of this. However, I took it as a challenge and prepared myself.

I hope my suggestion will help you a lot.

Dear Ramesh,

First of all, I agree with your statement. I am in a village, and I have also noticed that most village students are weak in the basic reporting system because they are afraid of using the English language incorrectly. So, I suggest starting an English newspaper and simplifying difficult words with the help of a Marathi dictionary to improve vocabulary.

Some important tips through which I have improved my English:

Firstly, work on expanding your vocabulary.
Secondly, read newspapers regularly.
Thirdly, follow English news.
Fourth, watch some foreign films.
Lastly, try to communicate with someone in English. If that's not possible, pick a topic and practice speaking in English on your own.

I hope these suggestions will be helpful.

First of all, you must improve your English. You can read novels by any Indian author or explore Chetan Bhagat's works. However, you must also enhance your grammatical English skills by using the book "Superfast English." Both exercises are essential based on your interest. If you wish to learn, you must cultivate an interest in the subject.

Hi Ramesh,
Do not watch English Movies or English News Channels. Just read English Novels, Story books. It's my promise you'll see the result within two months. Try it

Let's keep it short and simple... Technically, we call it KISS. Okay, jokes apart. See, dear friend, communication is not rocket science. It's an art, and it will take a long time to learn this art. An overnight change would be just like daydreaming.

Let me hit the nail right on the head. English communication thrives on two pillars - Verbs and Tenses. Make a list of all verbs and learn how tenses work in English. That's it. No big deal at all.

As far as your fear is concerned, it's not that you cannot communicate. It's, in fact, a fear of finding a word in your mind before you say it. So, make a list of (Your Native) - English words, especially the verbs. Work on it. And do not send me $699.99 as a check/draft or cash once you succeed. Lol... Keep it light, bro, I was just kidding.

Andy - No man is an expert; no man is a novice even.

Hi Ramesh,

Here you find many people who are guiding you. But you have to take action; only action can change your communication. I am also an MBA student and facing lots of problems regarding that, but I have always tried to learn. Two years ago, my English was very poor, but now I have improved myself with skilled communication due to my determination. If you commit yourself, definitely you will improve yourself. There are various methods, but you should follow and implement them. Don't lose heart. If you lose, then you've lost. So, fight your fear and follow all instructions given by members.

All the best.

With best regards, Raj

Dear Ramesh,

As a professional communication skills and language trainer, I know of innumerable people like you sailing in the same boat. You have invested in yourself by completing your MBA. Now go a step further by enrolling in a good institute where you can brush up on your grammar, which I must say is rather poor.

Linda Trevino, a professor of Management, has this to say: "MBA is often seen as a ticket to more lucrative employment, so perhaps getting the degree is more important to them than the knowledge gained along the way." In fact, it is just a glorified business degree. However, you could also surf the web, and you will find a lot of free English learning sites. All the best.

I'm sorry to add that the English used by most people on this site is awful. Sorry, but no offense meant.

Hi Ramesh!

What I can tell you is that you'll truly learn those things that you would find interesting. Reading is a great way to learn. Think about a topic that truly interests you, then find an English book on it and start reading. You should start small, that is, you should read short books first. If getting books is a problem, try newspapers. Read those stories that you find interesting. The point is:
a) read things you find interesting and,
b) read as much as you can.
Sab log seekh jatey hain. Kuch pehle, kuch baad mein.

My English education started in the fifth standard at a remote rural government school.

I started reading the Cambridge Dictionary College Edition. I literally read each and every word from it and then wrote it down with all its meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.

I then began writing down all my thoughts to the best of my abilities and continuously worked on improving it.

Wren and Martin, with its keys, helped me greatly in correcting my grammar. However, let me make it very clear that it was my obsession to learn English in all its facets that continued all through and up to the present day, making all the difference.

My only regret is that, as I have not studied the language systematically, I still make a lot of unintended slips of the tongue and errors.

In terms of speaking, I started thinking in English and then expressing myself in it, initially with hesitation, mistakes in pronunciation, and lack of fluency. But when you have done your homework, developed a love for the language, and truly started enjoying it, nothing will stop you from becoming a master of that language.

Reading Reader's Digest and English newspapers (such as The Hindu) greatly helped me learn the correct usage of words and gain a lot of general knowledge. This provided me with topics to talk about and contribute to discussions.

Continue to write, write, and write your thoughts. This will tremendously help you train your thoughts, refine your expressions, and articulate your words aptly. What more could you want? Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. Good luck.

Hello sir,

I think for improving English, a lot of friends have given suggestions. But one thing I don't understand is when you said I am as like as any MSW. What do you think about MSW? This is also a professional degree. If you have any misconceptions regarding MSW, please contact me at 9501760135. For your kind information, I also belong to a moderate village family. I believe I have a good command of English and I am an MSW student. Having an MBA doesn't mean that you are superior. Come down to ground reality and then talk.

Regards,
S....

Hi, I am also from a village background. When I went to Bangalore, I started speaking with other people only in English, that's why I have picked it up. When I come back from work, I listen to discussions and advice given to people on TV shows on various channels. Communication and chatting with two people, especially during interviews, will be a great help to you.

Hi Ramesh,

So many people have given very good suggestions. I find the suggestion of Avin practical and applicable. Try to speak in front of a mirror. Try to read the letters appearing in the Letters to the Editor column of any English newspapers. For correct pronunciations, go to this site: [Free demo to create avatars using Text-to-Speech (TTS) by SitePal](http://www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/tts_example.php?sitepal). You may practice by talking to your close friends who would not mind with small sentences.

Wishing you all the best.

Usuf Ali
Chennai / 20091226

"The winner finds a solution to every problem; the loser finds a problem in every solution."

Hi Ramesh,

I was in the same problem as you, but after reading all the comments from my HR friends, I realized they were all right. You will have to spend more time in an English environment, such as:
1. Watching news channels
2. Reading newspapers with full concentration
3. Believing in yourself

The most important thing is to speak in English, even if you make mistakes. Don't feel discouraged when someone points out your errors; take it as a positive feedback and continue. I have followed the same advice, and honestly, Ramesh, I am feeling more comfortable now.

Hi Ramesh,

I have one important suggestion for you. Every day, read any English newspaper for one hour. Secondly, speak in front of a mirror in English for 15-20 minutes. This will surely make a great difference in your communication. Let me know if you need more help.

You have to read the newspaper, and one paragraph at a time only. You have to repeat it lots of times and prepare your own dictionary in which you should write words you have difficulty with. By using this method, you can eliminate your problem. Stand in front of a mirror and say what you want to say in a loud voice.

Hi Ramesh,

First, don't worry about your problem, as today most people face this issue. It's great that you recognize the importance of English because today's world is globalized. You should learn to speak English. Here are my suggestions for you to improve your English speaking skills:

1) You must have patience and dedication to learn English. Make English as familiar as your mother tongue.

2) First, learn grammar thoroughly, grasp all the tenses well, and create your own sentences. Practice speaking them aloud.

3) Purchase an Oxford dictionary.

4) Start reading any English newspaper from today. Read small articles aloud. Whenever you encounter a new word, look up its meaning in the dictionary.

5) Create sentences using the new words you learn, speak them aloud, and repeat them at least five times.

6) Watch only English news or movie channels.

7) Make new friends who can converse with you in English.

8) Every day, read a new short story and retell the story in front of a mirror until you can narrate it fluently.

Don't worry; you will definitely improve your English speaking skills within three months. Guaranteed.

Sandeep

Hi,

This is, in fact, a very common problem that everyone faces, but it is very easy to overcome. You need to dedicate yourself and develop the confidence to learn it. English communication is as simple as our mother tongue; it just needs more practice. Without practice, such as speaking in English, you can't learn anything. For this, you need to follow a few steps:

1: Speak in English, whatever you know, it doesn't matter even if it's incorrect.

2: Daily, increase the time by 5 minutes whenever you make an effort to speak.

3: It's not compulsory to read only English newspapers; you can read whatever you wish, like magazines, comic books, novels, newspapers, your own course books, etc.

4: Whatever you read, reproduce it to your friends or well-wishers who can spare time with you and correct it. In the beginning, you may not tell the complete article you read, but gradually you will improve. Spend time reading, understand the sentences, and try to translate them into your own words.

5: Keep a scribbling pad with you whenever you read. If you come across any difficult words, note them down and find the meaning from a dictionary. Daily, collect about 5 words and learn their meanings, trying to use them in your own sentences. Once you are familiar with all 5 words, try to make a short story using them. This way, you will remember the words for a longer time because stories store in our minds quickly.

If you practice in this manner, I am sure you will improve quickly. Remember, you need to develop confidence in yourself and start.

ALL THE BEST.

Abhijit,

Apart from being rude, you are also being insulting to the female members of this site. If you cannot provide valid and informative suggestions or information, then please refrain from posting such cheap comments.