If you have a thick accent or speak quickly, you’ve likely been asked to repeat yourself, and often at that.
First, don’t be ashamed of your accent. It’s part of who you are and where you come from. Be proud of it! In fact, everyone has an accent in one way or another.
But with a few simple tips, you can reduce the chances of repeating yourself. Read on to learn some helpful tips for improving your dialect.
If You’re Always Repeating Yourself Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you’re repeating yourself often, it can feel a little embarrassing, to say the least. Don’t feel bad, you’re learning a complex language. You’re going to need some time to acclimate yourself to the language, and that’s okay.
Next time you’re getting stuck on a sentence that needs repeating, ask the other person what you can do to clarify. Sometimes all you need to do is speak more slowly. Other times you may need to work on your pronunciation.
Whatever the case, it’s likely that the other person will understand. Be patient with yourself and never be afraid to ask what you can improve on.
Speak Slowly
Learning English is an exciting endeavor! There’s so much to learn from context to brand new words.
But if you’re from another country, you may be used to speaking at a different speed. In fact, depending on the region you’re in, English speakers may speak more slowly than you’re used to.
It’s okay if you need to slow down. Doing so can prevent you from needing to repeat yourself. Focus on how you can get your thoughts out in a clear, effective manner.
Being asked to constantly repeat yourself can be frustrating and make you lose confidence to speak English
Think About Your Words
While speed and diction matter, your word choice matters as well. Be sure to really think about the words you use. You’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right word for the idea.
And don’t be afraid to say more in fewer words. There’s a saying, “Less is more” that applies quite well. If you can get your thoughts across in a few words, that’s perfect! No need for long, flowery sentences.
Read Often
One of the best ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in its entertainment. It’s a great way to learn new words, contexts, and even ideas.
Make sure that you’re reading on a regular basis. There’s a known correlation between verbal ability and reading comprehension, so try and make reading a daily habit.
Find English translations of your favorite books and make an effort to study them. What’s different between the English version and the native version you’re used to?
Understanding these differences can go a long way in preventing you from repeating yourself.
Decrease The Chances of Repeating Yourself
If you’re tired of repeating yourself, be sure to follow these tips. With frequent practice, you’ll have mastery over the English language in no time.
And don’t forget that we offer tons of resources to help you along the way. Sign up for an account today and learn how you can start speaking clearly, effectively, and confidently.
We offer a 7-day free trial so you can start learning English for free! We’re confident that you’re going to love Pronunciation Pro.
