{"id":39978,"date":"2019-03-13T13:16:43","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T12:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=39978"},"modified":"2019-03-13T16:59:18","modified_gmt":"2019-03-13T15:59:18","slug":"5-ways-to-practise-your-speaking-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/5-ways-to-practise-your-speaking-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways To Practise Your Speaking At Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cHow many languages do you speak?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This is what we ask when we want to know about someone\u2019s language skills. We ask about their ability to speak. We\u2019re not interested if someone can read or write in another language – the importance is on speaking.<\/p>\n

Why is this? Well, of the four domains of language, speaking is perhaps the most difficult. It\u2019s a complicated skill, which combines an active knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, not to mention correct pronunciation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only is speaking a second language complicated, but it can also be nerve-racking<\/strong><\/em><\/span>! This is because we all have something called an \u2018affective filter\u2019<\/em>. This is a psychological filter that can cause us to experience stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s perfectly natural and it\u2019s actually something you can control. By finding opportunities to practise speaking English, you can lower your affective filter and gain confidence. Here are some ideas that you can try out from the safety of your own home!<\/p>\n

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Voice typing with Google Docs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

OK, so Google may know a creepy amount<\/a> of information about all of us, but its web-based word processor Google Docs<\/a> has some pretty awesome features. One of those is \u2018Voice typing\u2019. With this tool there\u2019s no need to type, you just speak to your computer and watch the words appear on the screen. Here\u2019s a short tutorial to show you how it\u2019s done on YouTube.<\/p>\n

Of course, it\u2019s not the same as having a conversation with someone, but it\u2019s a cool way to test your speaking skills and identify any pronunciation errors.<\/p>\n

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Speech shadowing with TED Talks<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TED<\/a> is a platform of informative talks on a range of topics. It\u2019s a wonderful resource for language learners as it allows you to listen to expert speakers, with the support of subtitles and an interactive transcript.<\/p>\n

\"Speech<\/p>\n

Besides watching the videos and reading the text, we suggest you try replicating parts of the talk. You can do this simply by listening, pausing and repeating what the speaker says. Alternatively, if you\u2019re feeling adventurous, you can have a go at shadowing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The difference is that, with shadowing, you don\u2019t pause the video. You have to listen and repeat what has been said in real time<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. It\u2019s not easy, but if you can be a really effective way to improve your pronunciation and intonation.<\/p>\n

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Language exchange partner on Italki<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Having built up some confidence talking to…umm, yourself, now you\u2019re ready to interact with another human! If you\u2019re not lucky enough to live next door to Benedict Cumberbatch, don\u2019t worry. There are other ways of finding a language exchange partner.<\/p>\n