“True fluency in English is more than just a parade of words; it's the strategic use of 'speech chunks'..” - Mauricio Lopez

Importance of Fluency in Communication

If you're learning a language, chances are you're aiming for fluency. And if you're not, perhaps it's time to focus on it. Achieving fluency can enhance your personal and professional interactions, increase your confidence in diverse settings, and improve your overall communication skills.

Fluency allows you to connect with others on a more personal and effective level. It enables you to interact in a more nuanced and individualized manner. Just as regular blogging provides fresh content, regular conversational practice in a new language helps in presenting your ideas more clearly and dynamically.

With that said, here are 8 reasons why you should improve your fluency! 👊

1. Speaking in Speech Units:

Fluency is about speaking in phrases or 'speech units', rather than individual words. This approach, pausing after nouns, verbs, and adjectives, transforms disjointed speech into coherent and impactful communication.

2. Natural Cadence:

Speaking in groups of words allows you to mimic the natural rhythm of the language. This cadence is what makes a speaker sound more native and less robotic.

3. Improved Listener Comprehension:

Fluency, with its rhythmic pauses, gives listeners time to process what you're saying. These pauses aren't just breathers for you; they help your audience understand and engage with your message.

4. Perception as a Proficient Speaker:

When you speak fluently, people perceive you as a proficient English speaker. This perception is vital in both personal interactions and professional settings.

5. Reduced Over-Concentration on Pronunciation:

Focusing solely on pronunciation can lead to over-concentration and affect the natural flow of speech. Fluency encourages a more balanced approach to speaking.

6. Embracing the Pause:

Learning to pause effectively is a key aspect of fluency. Pauses are powerful tools that add emphasis and clarity to your speech.

7. Confidence in Speaking:

As your fluency improves, so does your confidence. Fluent speakers are often more comfortable in conversations and are more likely to participate actively.

8. Real-Life Application:

Fluency aligns closely with real-life conversation patterns. It prepares you for diverse speaking situations, from formal presentations to casual chats.

Conclusion:

While pronunciation is an important aspect of language learning, fluency should be your primary focus. By speaking in speech units, embracing natural pauses, and focusing on the flow of speech, you'll not only improve your English but also the way others perceive your language skills. Remember, fluency is about making your English alive, dynamic, and effective.

Other resources to help you get started with fluency.

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Start your own fluency checklist:

Here is a quick checklist to get you started with fluency. Remember imperfect action beats inaction, get started and keep publishing.

• Identify the pause markers, commas, periods, nouns, verbs and adjectives.

• Add pause markers to readings, so you begin speaking in groups.

• Start practicing by reading out-loud and making sure you read in groups.

• Promise yourself that you will never read word by word again.

• Listen to a TED talk to check for speech units with professional speakers.

• Mirror a speech by repeating everything you hear, but remember to mimic the speech units.

• Use the look up and say technique to practice your English.