Ask BBC Learning English

2024-11-01 How can I speak English more fluently? – Ask BBC Learning English

Introduction

Mary has sent us a question. She wants to know how she can speak English more fluently.

Beth’s 5 tips!

1. Learn informal expressions and practise using them. 

2. Use words like ‘actually’, ‘basically’ and ‘really’. These are fillers that you can add in to conversation to give you more time to think.

3. Pronunciation. Use schwa /e/ (the most common sound in English). Also, practise linking words together when you speak. 

4. Practise speaking everywhere you can. Talk to your friends, classmates and colleagues. Find a language exchange partner online and talk to them too. 

5. Talk to yourself! If you talk on the phone while having a walk, you look like you’re talking to someone else which will make you feel less silly! 

6. Use words like so, erm and well. They give you more time to preapre what you want to say next. 

Thanks to Mary studying at the English school EC London for participating in this video.

BBC Learning English

Share
Published by
BBC Learning English

Recent Posts

2025-09-17 Israel committing genocide in Gaza: UN commission – Learning English from the News

The story An investigation by the United Nations, called a 'commission of inquiry', has found…

1 week ago

2025-09-03 Earthquakes hit Afghanistan – Learning English from the News

The story A major aftershock has hit eastern Afghanistan, just days after an earthquake measuring…

1 week ago

2025-08-27 Heatwaves speed up ageing process, study says – Learning English from the News

The story A study in Taiwan has found that peoples' biological age increases when they…

1 week ago

2025-08-20 Ukraine: Presidents discuss end to war – Learning English from the News

The story Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to the White House on Monday to meet…

1 week ago

2025-08-13 Is prostate cancer over-treated? – Learning English from the News

The story The charity Prostate Cancer UK, says that the UK is treating too many…

1 week ago