Learn English: How To Speak Better English (Sentences)

© Harish Jharia

In the second step to Speaking English, we will discuss the right way to speak a sentence. English speaking is not very different from speaking Indian languages; nevertheless, we will discuss the right way for a right speech.

Second Step to Speaking English (Sentences)

While speaking English we usually think in our mother tongue, translate it to English within our mind and then speak out. In this process, we commit many mistakes like

1. Confusing in selecting one out of more words
2. Missing out the sequence of words
3. Fear of forgetting the sentence

Therefore, for speaking flawless sentences fluently and effectively we should think and speak in English only. We need to practice a lot for that until our mind develops a natural instinct.

English speaking is not very different from speaking Indian languages. We need to develop expertise in sequence of words, appropriately breaking the sentence in 2-3 parts and giving prominence / stress / higher pitch to a word or two; thereby making the sentence smooth to speak and easy to understand by the listener.

There is difference between written language and speech that we are supposed to speak to others. The various requirements for ideal speech are as follows:

1. Speech should get attention of listener
2. Listener should understand the meaning what the speaker wants to convey
3. Speech should carry the feelings and emotions of the speaker
4. Speech should have simple words
5. Sentences should be short suitable to speak and to listen at
6. Speech should be unambiguious
7. Use correct pronunciation and accent
8. Break sentence in 2 – 3 pieces and stress / emphasize the vital words
9. Use facial gestures and express with nodding wherever required
10. Do not be loud in gesturing
11. Keep the tone and volume of your voice controlled

Here are examples of sentences:

*Your speech:
(-) stands for breaks and
(‘aaa’) stands for emphasis / stress / higher pitch.

1. Usual sentence: He is dutiful and does not evade hard work.*Your speech: He is ‘dutiful’ - and does not ‘evade’ - hard work.
2. Usual sentence: A typical Indian woman is emotional by nature.*Your speech: A typical Indian woman - is ‘emotional by nature’
3. Usual sentence: A sensible person should not be blind to his shortcomings.*Your speech: A ‘sensible’ person - should ‘not’ be blind - to his ‘shortcomings’.
4. Usual sentence: You should not depend on an unfaithful friend.*Your speech: You should ‘not’ depend - on an ‘unfaithful friend’.

Usual sentence: These are imaginary fears that do not exist in reality.
*Your speech: These are ‘imaginary’ fears - that do not exist - in ‘reality’.

Look at the sentences under subheads ‘Usual sentence’ and ‘*Your speech’. Under ‘Usual sentence’, the sentences are typed in normal formats. Whereas under ‘*Your speech’ the sentences have been broken in pieces and marked for emphasis / stress / higher pitch that guides the speaker about the style of speech.

The styles of speech differ from place to place and person to person depending on the local dialect spoken and the temperament of the speaker.

Styles differ with the occasion and environment when and where the speech is delivered or the conversation takes place.

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Read more articles on similar subject: Click on the following links
Discover Life: Speaking English- 1  
Discover Life: Speaking English- 2  
Discover Life: First Step to Speaking English (Words)  
Discover Life: Second Step to Speaking English (Sentences)  
Discover Life: Speaking English (Speech)  
Discover Life: Speaking English (Practice)
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