Improve your speaking skills

Improve your speaking skills


Shradha Kaul tells you ways to help you speak well in a GD/ PI

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speakingWith the euphoria of clearing the written test or exam, comes the next challenge which is using your speaking skills to ace the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Obviously this part scores higher in the spoken English area, as it involves a group discussion and a Personal Interview. If for the written part you had tried to pinpoint inferences, remember grammar rules and master vocabulary lists, this section will see you articulate your learning.
Well, first things first. Assuming that you are aware of the workings of the GD /PI sections, lets get down to the brass tacks of verbal communication. Like the written test preparation, the GD / PI sections cannot be tackled overnight. It will definitely be worth its while if you sideline material for these rounds during the preparation for the mains. Speaking skills at this level involve not only a mastery over the language but also clarity in the delivery of ideas. A person who has a good command over the English language and an adequate knowledge of current affairs is likely to sail through these rounds.
The prime objective while facing these rounds is to impress by a display a high degree of confidence and competence while speaking. It’s like selling yourself to the interviewers who seem to be asking ‘Why you and not somebody else?’
So, to start speaking English clearly, concisely while using straightforward vocabulary, you can try using some of these tips:
Start early
The moment you start your preparation for the written test, examine your spoken skills. We are mostly aware of our drawbacks especially when it comes to speaking skills. Our weaknesses show up in one way or the other. We may get tongue tied while talking to people, we may start fumbling for words during conversations, or it may be very difficult to even have a very simple and fluent interaction with anyone. 
Spoken English is best mastered through a smart listening process. Quite similar to the learning of our mother-tongue which is through a highly effective listening process.
Make your choice
You could be listening to English music, watching English serials and movies, the English news / discussions / analyses on the television.
Find a partner and practice
I have always advocated to my students that they must find at least one person with whom they could talk in English all the time. It works. Consciously, make that decision that you two (maybe more) are always going to converse in English. Practice makes it perfect.
Take the help of peers
Instead of going through highly formal routes to learning English, take help from colleagues and spread the word that it’s going to be conversation only in English from now on. The key lies in overcoming your fear of making mistakes.
Correct pronunciation is important
You cannot replace reading with anything. So, while reading those passages for your reading comprehension, start by reading a passage aloud. Learn to articulate those new words either in front of the mirror or do this exercise with a like minded friend. Another useful exercise is to read the newspaper aloud; you could pretend to be a newsreader!
Use proper vocabulary
I will not recommend using words which sound pretentious and verbose. Keep your spoken English vocabulary very effective, simple and to the point. Augment your vocabulary with words learnt during test preparation and use them effectively.
Grammar has no substitute
Fortunately, your test prep journey takes you through the rigours of grammar. Practice what you learn while speaking also. Commonly made mistakes by people are giving up on the tenses mid way. Learn your tenses well by keeping things very straightforward. Speak simply taking care that what is being said is correct.
Don’t translate
Give up translating from the native language to English, it will always be incorrect. The rules governing English are different; this could be mostly true for every language. Never introduce yourself as “Myself”, its one of the commonest mistakes. The correct way for an introduction is to simply say “I am X”
Remember that in a GD or PI, the examinees are more concerned with your speech or the power to vocalise your ideas and also your approach and awareness to current events than mere statistics.
   
(The author is a freelance verbal expert, trainer and writer)

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