Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Friedrich]

I have a problem: When I talk in English with others, I always feel I'm writing "an oral composition"!
Each time I talk, I'll diliberate the grammar very carefully.
As a result, it takes so long to have a simple conversation.
How can I improve my speaking skill?

[pugachevV]

You are worrying too much about being correct rather than communicating.
You should just let it come out and not worry too much about the grammar. Grammar is important when writing, but not so much when speaking.
Your English speaking listeners will just be happy that you can speak English, as they most likely don't speak any Chinese. They certainly won't be offended or laugh at you if you get some grammar wrong.

The more you practise the faster and easier it will become.

[Friedrich]

Thank you for your reply. But, won't the incorrectness of grammar confuse the one I speak to?

[wangyun6126]

Well, I'm quite agree with what PugachevV has said. You do not have to worry a lot while you are talking in English. And the native speakers will be happy if you speak in their language and they will focus more on the messages you want to convey to them instead of the grammar rules.

It seems that you still doubt whether they can understand you or not.
I suggest you just have a try with a foreigner. When you speak to them, you try to make your speech a little bit fast so that you don't have much time to have a second thought about the correctness of the grammar. See whether they can get the meaning or not. OK?

[ienosen]

Hello,
In my opinion, you don't have to worry so much about grammar when you are talking, since talking is different from writing, talking is informal and just for communicating.
When a native speaker is talking with you, they will be aware of your english level and so be tolerant with you, even you make a mistake, they will just ignore it. It's OK as long as they can understand your general meaning.
Another thing is , when talking, try to use simple words instead of long complicated sentences, so that you will make less mistakes.

[Friedrich]

I'll try as possible as I can. Thank you very much.

[pugachevV]

If they are confused, they will ask you to make it clear what you mean. Do not feel embarrassed. It is all part of learning. If you live in China you will find most visitors from English speaking countries probably speak no Chinese, so they will be pleased to find someone who speaks their language.
Next time you hear someone speaking English in your town, say, "Hello" and see where it leads.

[helen247]

since oral language is just created to communicate with people, you don't need to be afraid of making mistakes of grammar. that is not a big deal if you speak wrongly. your only purpose is to get your imformation stated clearly. so, don't be shy!^^