I Can Understand English But I Can t Speak Improve English Speaking Conversations Practice

You understand English, but sometimes it's hard to speak, right? Yes, like you understand them, but when you speak, you forget. Your brain is like, I know this word, but how to say it? Don't worry, you're not alone. Today, we have a story that feels all too real. And by the end, you'll learn how to fix this problem. So stick around, your English speaking skills are about to get a serious upgrade. Hello, everyone. Have you ever thought you understood English pretty well until you actually had to use it? Well, I know that feeling too. Let me tell you my story. My name is Cici and I am from Spain. A year ago, I moved to the US to study at university. I was so excited. I had studied English for years in school. My teachers always said I had good English. But when I arrived here, I realized something. Understanding English in class was much harder than I expected. People spoke so fast. They used slang, jokes, and idioms that I had never seen in textbooks. Crazy game last night, right? Hey, guys. What are you talking about? Oh, hey, Cici. We're talking about last night's basketball game. Did you watch it? Oh, no. I didn't know there was a game. What? It was the biggest game of the season. Our team was on fire in the first half. They were totally crushing it. Yeah, but then they completely choked at the end. They choked? Who choked? The team. They had the lead, then bam, total meltdown. For real. They had it in the bag, but their defense just fell apart. Choked? Meltdown? In the bag? What are they talking about? Uh, yeah. Crazy game. And the last play, I told you, the ref was blind. The ref is blind? No, really, Cici. It means he made the wrong decision. Man, she's too polite for this. Ah, I see. As you can see, I can't keep up with the conversation. All right, everyone. I've graded your history tests. Some of you impressed me, and some of you, well, not so much. Ryan, solid work. Mia, well done as always. Jake, let's talk about your handwriting later. Cici. Cici, you totally bombed your history test. You must have studied more. Bombed? No, no, professor. I bombed nothing. I'm not a terrorism. I only study here. Bro, did she just say she's not a terrorism? Cici, relax. No one thinks you're a secret agent. Oh, she thinks bombed means like a real bomb. Cici, no, no, no. Bombed means you failed the test. Not that you, you know, attacked it. Oh, so it's like bad. Very bad. I see. Then, yes, I totally bombed it. At least she learns fast. All right, all right. Let's move on before someone actually calls security. So, yeah, that was not my best moment. I felt so embarrassed. The worst part, this wasn't the first time I misunderstood something. It kept happening. Every time I tried to join a conversation, I got lost. And because of that, I started avoiding people. I didn't want to talk too much because what if I said something stupid again? What if people laughed at me? But then I realized something. If I keep avoiding English, how am I supposed to get better? So, I signed up for an English class. You know, those for international students. And that's how I met David. David is also an international student and that's when everything started to change. Oh, I felt so stupid. You're not stupid, Cici. English is tricky. Some words have different meanings. But I studied English for years. Why can't I understand English fluently yet? Because school English and real-life English are different. In school, we learn grammar and vocabulary. But in real life, people speak differently. I feel like I'll never get better. You will. I used to feel the same way. But I found some tricks that helped me. Tricks? What kind of tricks? Four simple things. And if you try them, I promise your English will improve. Okay, tell me. First, record the lectures, if the professor allows it. Then, listen again later. It helps you catch the words you missed. Oh, that makes sense. Sometimes, I understand nothing in class. Same, that's why I started doing this. Second, prepare important words before class. Look up key vocabulary for the topic. Then, you won't feel lost. Hmm, that could help. But how do I know which words are important? Check the syllabus or the textbook. Or just google important words for some subject. Smart. Okay, what's next? Third, ask questions. If you don't understand something, ask the professor or a classmate. But what if they think I'm stupid? No one thinks that. It's normal to ask. Actually, it shows you want to learn. I guess you're right. Last one, watch TED Talks and celebrity interviews. It helps with vocabulary and slang. Slang from TED Talks? No, no. TED Talks for learning big words. Interviews for learning slang. Oh, I like this idea. But do I have to watch serious talks? No, pick something fun, a topic you like. That way, it doesn't feel like studying. Okay, I'll try all of these. Good, you'll see your English will get much better soon. After talking to David, I decided to try his advice. First, I started recording my lectures. Before, I missed a lot of what the professor said. But now, I could listen again later, and it really helped. I even understood a joke the professor made three days later. But that's still progress, right? Next, I prepared new words before class. It really made everything easier. One day, my professor said, let's discuss this briefly. And I actually knew what briefly meant. Then, I started asking questions. At first, I was scared. But my professors were kind. They explained things to me. I also asked my classmates for help. And guess what? Some of them were also confused. So, I wasn't the only one. The last step, watching TED Talks and interviews. At first, it was hard. But slowly, I understood more words. And celebrity interviews! Wow, so many slang words. But now, when someone says, that test was a piece of cake, I know it doesn't mean real cake. I still make mistakes, but I am improving. And for the first time, I don't feel so lost anymore. All right, Mr. Genius, dinner's on me tonight. Pick whatever you want. Whoa, that is rare. Should I go all out? Maybe a steak or lobster? Hey, don't push your luck. A burger, okay? That's within my budget. Fine, fine. So, what's the occasion? I just really want to say thank you. You helped me so much, David. Oh, come on. You did all the work. I just gave you a little push. No way. Thanks to your advice, things really changed for me. I get it. I used to feel the same way, remember? It's tough when you understand English, but can't express yourself the way you want. Exactly. And you know what? I have an idea. Uh-oh. Should I be scared? No. I want to start a club for students like us. A place where we can practice speaking without feeling embarrassed. No judgment. No stress. Just talking and learning together. That actually sounds awesome. I wish we had something like that when I first got here. Right. We could practice small talk, play games, even go out and order food in English. I don't want anyone to feel the way I did. Too scared to speak. I love it. Count me in. We'll make it fun. And no one will feel alone like we did. English tips at the workplace. Oh, Sarah, please come in. I've been waiting for you. Please have a seat. But why? I don't need a chair. I mean sit down. So, Sarah, you've been working here for half a year, right? No, not a year. I work here for six months. Half a year means six months, Sarah. Half. Fifty percent. Oh, I see. Yes, correct. I work here for half a year. So, the thing is, we need to talk about your job. Oh, yes. What is it? We've received some feedback about you. Feedback? Yes, from our clients. And unfortunately, it's not so good. Oh, not so good? Why? Well, they said you were hard to talk to. What? Why? I didn't say anything bad. I know, Sarah. You didn't say anything bad. But sometimes, you take things too literally. I don't understand. Well, last month, you got mad at one client when he said, He told me to break my leg. Of course I was mad. Why did he think it was okay to tell me to harm myself? Sarah, break your leg means good luck. Really? Why is that? It's just how we say it. It's an expression. I had no idea. Another time, the client said they had cold feet. And you asked if they needed socks. Yes. I said, get socks. They were talking about being nervous, not about their feet. These words are strange. I understand, but these misunderstandings are causing issues with our clients. I'll try to learn more about these expressions. That'd be great, Sarah. But unfortunately, some clients have become uncomfortable. What can I do? I'm sorry, Sarah. We love your hard work. But we have no choice but to let you go. Hello. I come for interview? Yes, Sarah, right? Please, take a seat. Thank you, sir. I'm John. Nice to meet you. So, tell me about your last job. My name is Sarah. I worked in a company for six months. It was good, but I was let go. Why were you let go? It was a little hard sometimes. What was hard for you? The clients. They say strange things, and I don't understand. Strange things? Can you give me an example? Yes, one time a man said, break your leg. I said, no, I don't want. But it means good luck, right? Ah, I see. Yes, it means good luck. Well, I didn't know it back then. But you understand now. Yes, I do. I'm trying to learn more. That's great. So, you're applying for our design post, is that right? Yes, that's correct. So, what design software do you use? I use Photoshop, also Illustrator. Good. Do you know how to use any 3D design tools? No, I only do graphic, but I can learn. That's okay. Do you have experience with any web design? Little bit. I made some website banners, but I don't code, only design. I see. Do you follow any design trends or styles? Yes, I like minimal, clean design, simple. Minimalist design, right? Yes, that word. I like it. Great. One more thing, Sarah. Are you comfortable working directly with clients here? Clients? I'm not sure. Last time, there were so many problems last time. I understand. Let's move on. Why do you want to work here? I like your company's designs. They are very nice. I think I can learn a lot from your company. We like people who try hard. Are you ready to learn? Yes, sir. I learn fast. I promise. Okay, Sarah. We'll think about it and let you know soon. Thank you. You're welcome. Have a good day. You too, sir. Hello, everyone. I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you. Hi, Sarah. Welcome to the team. We're happy to have you here. Yeah, welcome, Sarah. Don't worry. We're a friendly bunch. Thank you. I will try my best. No need to be nervous. We're all here to help you. Yes, thank you. I feel a little bit nervous. Totally normal. First days are always like that. I still remember mine. I couldn't even find the bathroom. Yes, I got lost already. I went the wrong way. It happens to all of us. Don't worry. You'll get used to the place soon. I hope so. This company... very big. If you need anything, just ask. I can give you a hand. A hand? You don't mean your real hand, right? Oh, right. It means I can help you. Thanks for explaining. You see, my English is not very good. My pleasure. Just ask me if you don't understand anything. So, first, I need... learn my work here? Of course, I'll help you with that. Today, we'll just go over the basics, and I'll introduce you to the projects. You'll be fine. Okay, I will listen careful. I want to do a good job. We know you'll do great. Just take your time and ask questions. We're all learning every day. Thank you, everyone. I feel better now. Good. Now let's show you around and get you started. First rule, don't panic. Okay, I will not panic. I will try to enjoy my first day. That's the spirit. Let's go. Hey, Lucy. Do you have a moment to talk? Of course, Sarah. What's up? I wanted to talk about the meeting yesterday. I hope I did okay. I tried my best to explain. You did well. But there are some things we can improve. Oh, really? What things? I want to get better. During your presentation, some points were not clear. For example, when you talked about the design concepts, some details were missing. I'm sorry. I get nervous, and I forget what I want to say. That's okay. It's normal to be nervous. Practicing will help you feel more comfortable. Yes, I need help with my English, too. Sometimes I don't know the right words. That's a good idea. Improving your English will help you a lot. I want to learn more expressions. They are hard for me. Okay, let's start with using better words. Instead of saying this design is good, try to use other adjectives. Like what? Like refreshing or innovative. They are more specific. Oh, I see. I can do that. Also, try to give examples when you explain something. It helps people understand better. Yes, I can use examples, but I forget sometimes. No problem. Think of one or two examples before your next presentation. It'll help a lot. I will try. What about new words? I want to learn more. Ah, good question. Read articles about design. Write down new words and practice using them. That's smart. I can read during my lunch break. Great. I can send you some links to good articles. Thank you. I will read them. And don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand, just ask. I understand. I will ask more. I worry about sounding silly. Everyone makes mistakes. It's okay. We all want to help you. Thank you for your support. I feel better now. You're doing great, Sarah. Just keep practicing and you'll improve. Okay, Sarah. Time to practice your presentation. You can do this. This design is fresh and colorful. Hmm. Maybe I can say this design is bright and exciting. Yes, that sounds better. What about shapes? I want to use circles and triangles. But why? Maybe because they are modern? Yes, these shapes are modern and fun. Hi, everyone. I'm Sarah and I will present today. You got this, Sarah. Just take a deep breath. Okay, so my presentation is about the design ideas for our new client. Great. We're excited to see it. First, we have the color palette. I chose bright colors. Nice choice. Can you explain why? Yes, bright colors make people happy. Besides, they attract attention. I like that idea. Next, we have new shapes. I want to use circles and triangles. Why do you want to use those shapes? Because they're modern. People like modern designs. I agree. Modern designs are very popular right now. And if you put them next to each other like this, they look fun. And people like something fun. That's actually a good idea. I couldn't agree more. Thank you. You're doing great, Sarah. Keep going. Now, I will show a sample. Looks good. I think it looks fresh. I like the layout. Thank you. And I want to get feedback from everyone. It's important for me. I want to know what you like and if anything needs to change. I like the colors and shapes. They are great. I agree. Maybe we can add more examples next time. Ah, thank you for the suggestion. You did well today, Sarah. Your English is improving. Thank you. I practice every day. It helps me a lot. We're all proud of you, Sarah. Keep it up. Don't forget to practice your English every day to improve your English level. Watch the video for one week. Try to think and speak in English every time. Listen and repeat the lesson out loud to improve your listening and speaking skills fast. Thanks for watching. Please give us a like, share, and comment. Click here for more useful videos.