Why You Need a Speaking Partner
Catherine GrantSo, you are a non-native speaker learning English and have been told many times to practice English every day to become a competent speaker and writer. If you are living in a place where English is not the first language it will not be easy to use it frequently to achieve fluency.
You may ask why you need an English-speaking partner. Studying grammar, memorizing vocabulary and watching English shows will not make you a fluent English speaker. To test your knowledge and improve your skills, you will need to use it in conversations and, for that, you will need an English-speaking partner to practice with.
What is a speaking partner?
An English-speaking partner is a person you can talk to in English and practice your language skills with. They facilitate conversations about a range of topics to help you become a confident speaker. A speaking partner will also correct your pronunciation and grammar and help you understand the cultural context.
Where to find a speaking partner?
The all-important question: where to find a speaking partner? Thanks to the internet, you no longer need to live in an English-speaking country to achieve native-like fluency. You can find an English conversation partner online.
A popular option is using social media networks as a starting point. Many learners post requests for English-speaking partners on networking sites like Facebook, language exchange platforms or in the comments section on YouTube. This approach is not always successful because you may not get any replies or may attract other language learners like yourself who may not have the expertise to guide you.
Another option is joining a structured language program. A structured program will help you put your language learning into perspective and help you achieve meaningful results. But how can you find the right program?
If you have a Zoom account and access to the internet, you can find an English speaking partner and bring them straight into your home. You can eliminate travel time and costs, and expand your knowledge and understanding of English in an efficient and fun way.
What are the benefits of a speaking partner?
The right English-speaking partner has the expertise to help you use and develop the language and become a confident speaker. Remember, learning a language is not just memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules, it is also understanding the cultural relevance and context of the language. It’s impossible to learn a language without learning at least a few of the customs of the native speakers.
This knowledge stimulates learning. Having a native-speaking partner can help you comprehend these social and cultural norms so that you can avoid misunderstandings and communicate clearly.
English-speaking partners keep you motivated by providing you with a supportive learning environment. They can push you and challenge you throughout the process. It’s important to be understood by native English speakers, so why not learn the correct way from the beginning?
Speak English, don’t just learn
Reading books, watching shows or movies, listening to radio or podcasts will help you learn English: but to become a competent English speaker, you will need to speak in English.
You need to build your confidence and use the language not only to improve your fluency but also to ensure better retention of vocabulary and grammar. Textbook learning cannot enhance practical communication skills the way speaking and listening can.
Make English a part of your lifestyle and you are guaranteed to improve your language skills in every way.
Your speaking partner will offer opportunities for you to engage in conversations so that you can get sufficient speaking practice.
There is a difference between speaking English and learning English. Some second-language English speakers understand English grammar really well but struggle to communicate. On the other hand, some English learners don’t have a good understanding of English grammar but they can communicate very well. This is because the latter are not afraid to speak, make mistakes and learn through doing.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Speak English so you can put everything you learn into practice.
Break your language barrier
If you move to an English-speaking part of the world, you have no choice but to overcome your hesitations and use English to communicate because you are surrounded by the language. You are forced to speak in English. This compulsion helps break the barriers and you soon realize that English speakers around you are not judging your language skills and are willing to support you in improving your English.
However, if you are living in a non-English speaking place there is no such force pushing you to develop and improve your language. This is when your online speaking partner will play a crucial role in driving you to overcome your fear of making mistakes and sounding foolish. They will help you gain confidence and dispel any doubts you may have about your ability.
A good native English-speaking partner should help you learn English in the classroom with the purpose of building your confidence outside of the classroom. Your English-speaking partner should give you the tools you need to use English in the real world.
Learn common English phrases
While you are looking for a partner, you can start building a foundation by getting familiar with some common English phrases that native speakers use. Remember, committing words and phrases to memory is not enough. When you use the learnt language terms and grammar in speech you convert your passive language to active language, and this is what will help you become a fluent speaker.
Speak more fluently
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of speaking in English on a daily basis. You are learning English so that you can communicate with speakers of that language, and to achieve this goal you will need to get out there and start using what you have learnt.
However, when you are communicating verbally, words only play a small role; your voice conveys the majority of the message. Speaking aloud will help you practice and understand the importance of vocal elements like tone, pace, and volume. Tone helps convey emotions, pace is how fast or slow you speak. Volume is how softly or loudly you talk.
When you practice with a speaking partner, they can point out where you are going wrong and help you fill the gaps. They will provide timely corrections and help you understand the context thus enabling you to use the language accurately and fluently.