Introduction
In today’s globalized world, mastering english is essential. Besides, it could open doors to a wide range of opportunities that were so far unheard of, especially if you are in the aviation field.
This article focuses on two key challenges many face in English learning: Listening and Speaking. For each, we’ll explore proven strategies that can help you improve confidently and effectively.
1. Listening
Listening is the most important part of the English learning process. In fact, one can not communicate with native english speakers if they do not even understand what they are saying.
Fortunately, there is a fun and passive way to improve your listening skills: media consumption.
In fact, most people watch movies and TV Series. They also listen to music. However, little do they know that these are great ways to improve their listening. The best part is you may not even be conscious of the fact that you’re learning and improving in english but, actually, you are.
1.1 Method breakdown
💡Note : the content must be produced by a native speaker !
Depending on your current level, you can start by activating the subtitles. Then, once in a while, turn them off and assess your listening level to see if it has improved !
2. Speaking
Speaking is the English skill so many people struggle with. I can not remember how often people have told me they can easily understand any word said to them but when it comes to replying back, they get lost.
To improve one’s speaking level, here are four domains that must be involved : vocabulary, pronunciation, one that we will call “Mystery” by now and grammar. We will cover the first three, as they are the ones people struggle the most with.
2.1 Vocabulary
You can’t speak confidently without the right words. Here are three ways to improve your vocabulary :
2.1.1. Movies and TV series (same as above)
Watching TV shows or movies can help you learn new words in context. By paying attention to how words are used, you can often guess their meaning. This technique helps reinforce your vocabulary without having to memorize words.
Tip: Even if you guess the meaning of a word correctly, always double-check in the dictionary to ensure you understand its full range of meanings
2.1.2 Reading
The Reading part does not have to be necessarily about books. Online articles, social media content, magazines… Any of that would work. However, you need a little bit of curiosity to top it off with. Here is a typical journey about how the vocabulary learning process work:
2.1.3. A bunch of curiosity
When you’re curious about how something is said in English, take the time to look it up. Whether it’s an object or a concept, exploring words that pique your curiosity will expand your vocabulary in an organic way.
The typical vocabulary learning journey where curiosity is involved is described below :
2.2 Pronunciation
Knowing what a word means is important, but knowing how to pronounce it correctly is equally essential. Mispronouncing a word can cause confusion, so it’s crucial to focus on pronunciation.
The best way to improve your pronunciation is to listen to native speakers and imitate their speech. TV series and movies are excellent tools for this.
Tip: Be careful with regional accents. While shows like Peaky Blinders or certain UK drill songs may have strong accents, they might not align with standard English pronunciation. Aim for shows with a more neutral accent, like those listed below :
- Friends
- The Office
- Modern Family
- My Wife ands Kids
- How I met your mother
- The Big Bang Theory (A little Technical)
- Mind your language (Standard british accent)
2.3 Courage
The final and perhaps most important domain is courage. You need to speak English regularly to improve. Forget about your fears and doubts—don’t worry about making mistakes. Speaking is the only way to progress !
Whenever you have the opportunity, seize it! Courage and consistency are key to becoming fluent.
Remember: FEAR stands for “Face Everything and Rise.”
Conclusion
Learning English, especially the skills of listening and speaking, is a journey that requires effort, persistence, and patience. Improvement doesn’t happen overnight ; it’s the result of consistent practice and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
By engaging with authentic content, building your vocabulary, refining your pronunciation, and, most importantly, having the courage to speak, you’ll gradually see progress. Keep going !
