Enhancing English Communication Skills: Tips and Strategies

Hi Pooja,

I want to improve my spoken and written skills. Can you please suggest how I can improve that?

Thank you.

Hi, Pooja,

You can improve slowly but surely. I suggest you read the newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, etc., any of the leading dailies in India. Once you can speak good English, then automatically your problem in writing will be half solved. To be a good writer, you really have to have a command over the basics of English. First of all, try to become strong in basics. Once you are confident about your knowledge, you can speak English fluently. There is no point in stopping yourself if you feel confident about the basics. Reading newspapers and listening to news channels like CNN, NDTV, etc., will also help your cause. Try to speak in English, even though you might make mistakes. Mistakes are bound to happen. Nobody is the best in English. It's an ocean. It's a learning process for all. There are a lot more things to learn in English that are left, even though you feel you are the ultimate in it.

All the best, mate. Hanuma

Reading is a habit that is fast disappearing from among us. To begin with, this is a surefire way of improving one's language. The best kind of books to start with are the ones like Enid Blyton and similar series as they are descriptive in simple language - an absolute need for effective and good communication. Try this even though you are well above the target age group. A surefire method of "de-stress before distress" and retaining the child in you.

Pooja,

Please tell me your medium of instruction at school level so that I can suggest an appropriate book.

Anil Mulye

Hi Anil,

I am from an English medium background. My only issue is hesitation, and I also face difficulties in using a variety of words.