| Learning how to do something requires four key | | | | substitute for learning from a native speaker. |
| elements, which we'll consider here. I also want to look | | | | - The Practice! Without this (listening, speaking) the |
| briefly at the other elements of the subject: 'speaking | | | | language won't come to life in your mouth and mind. |
| English' and what doing it 'freely' might mean. Here are | | | | The student has to find a way of practicing, be that a |
| the elements of the learning process: | | | | local English speaker, watching the satellite TV or a |
| - The desire: let's face it, unless the student WANTS | | | | DVD. Best of all, try and spend some time in an English |
| to learn, learning isn't going to happen. What is the | | | | speaking country! Speaking English - why? It's the main |
| motivation? For the businessman - are you doing this | | | | International business language, for a start - so |
| because the boss wants you to, or because you really | | | | businessmen on the International stage need the |
| want to? For the student - is the course just another | | | | language to 'get on'. It's the language of the skies and |
| course, or is this language something you really want? | | | | the seas and the PCs! Basically everyone approaching |
| - The teacher: there's a series of advertisements on | | | | English as a second language has their own motivation, |
| UK television which is aimed at recruiting more | | | | and each will be as different as the potential student! |
| teachers for the state. The adverts focus in on the | | | | The good teacher will quickly understand the |
| influence of good, charismatic teachers. A great | | | | motivation (what makes the student 'tick') and home in |
| teacher is the one who engages you, the student, and | | | | on that for teaching direction: if you teach something |
| helps you to learn. | | | | relevant and fun, then learning happens! Finally the |
| - The method: and there are several out there! Which | | | | concept of speaking English 'freely'. I guess that is the |
| one suits you and which one you can afford may be | | | | same as easily, fluently. Speaking any language freely |
| two key factors in your decision, but remember this - | | | | implies a confidence as well as a competence with the |
| total immersion is the ideal, followed by as frequently | | | | words and phrases, vocabulary and grammar of the |
| as you can do / afford - sporadic classes might be | | | | language. So open your mouth and try it out - with a |
| fun, but there's a lot of your time un-learning the | | | | good teacher, you will surprise yourself! |
| lessons learned! I would also say that there is NO | | | | |