How to improve your fluency

In the same way as a musician learns a complicated piece we can also learn to speak quickly and accurately - in other words, increase your fluency. Here are the steps

• 1. Practice slowly but correctly. We can't expect to do something quickly if we can't do it slowly. Make sure you focus on accuracy first. Break down the words into the syllables and say each one slowly but correctly.
• 2. Gradually increase the speed until you can't maintain accuracy, then drop back to a speed where you can be accurate. Keep increasing speed and dropping back. Each time you speed up you will be able to get a little faster.
• 3. Practice this on separate days. Your real learning happens overnight, so make sure you practice after a few days rest. This gives your brain time to create the neurons needed for long term memory.
• 4. Don't be stressed. Your consistency is the key. Always push a little more than your current comfort level, but no need to overdo it. Then learning becomes stress free.

Once you have mastered individual words, use the same strategy for learning phrases. Accuracy is the first objective. Then work with the speed. In the same way a tennis coach will first develop a player's technique then look to increase speed. Just trying to hit the ball harder will only lead to a lack of control and a lot of frustration. Keep this up and I guarantee you'll be hitting winners all day. If you don't have access to a private teacher look to find someone who you can talk to for help. There are some great language groups around. If you want some more information about these in your region, send me an email.