Send Feedback

Think in English, Speak like a Native: Techniques and Practical Tips

Daniel
Apr 26, 2024


Hello! Have you ever had difficulty speaking English fluently and naturally? Would you like to improve your English skills so that you can communicate with confidence in any situation? If so, you've come to the right article. In this section, we will introduce you to the importance of thinking in English and how this can help you speak like a native speaker. You will discover techniques and practical tips that will allow you to master the language in a more fluent and natural way.

Key Points

  • Learning to think in English is essential to speak the language fluently and naturally.
  • You will discover effective techniques to change your way of thinking and become more fluent.
  • Expanding your English vocabulary is key to thinking and speaking fluently.
  • Regular practice, both in everyday conversations and in intensive situations, is essential to improve your language skills.
  • Don't worry about perfection, focus on effective communication to speak like a native speaker.


Importance of Thinking in English



To improve your English skills and speak like a native speaker, it is essential to stress the importance of developing the ability to think in English. By doing so, you will not only be able to express yourself more fluently, but you will also improve your overall language skills.


Thinking in English allows you to access a completely different set of English skills that are essential to understanding and communicating in English. The key to developing English skills is to think in English and to do it often.


In addition, by thinking in English effectively, you will be able to:

  • Understand English vocabulary more easily
  • Identify grammatical rules and apply them more fluently
  • Improve your ability to formulate sentences in English in a natural way.


How to Think in English to Improve Your Skills


To think more fluently in English, you should try to surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Listen to and watch programs in English, read books and articles in English, and practice the language whenever you can. Here are some useful techniques:

  1. Change your environment: Change your phone, computer and social network settings to English.
  2. Make associations: Associate new words with specific objects and situations.
  3. Speak out loud: Practice speaking out loud in English, even if no one else is present. This will help you feel more comfortable speaking in the language.
  4. Try to think in English: When you think about everyday things, try to think in English. It may be difficult at first, but with practice it will become easier.


Remember, the most important thing to improve your English skills is to practice often and think in English whenever you can. With these techniques and a little dedication, you can do it successfully.


How to Think in English to Improve Your English Level


If you want to speak English fluently, it is essential that you learn to think in English. The good news is that this skill can be developed with practice and patience. Here are some effective techniques to help you think in English and improve your level in the language:


Do not translate word for word


Instead of translating each word individually from Spanish to English, try to think about English structure and grammar. Sometimes, one word in Spanish has several meanings in English and vice versa. Instead of focusing on translating the exact word, think about the general idea you are trying to communicate.


Read in English


Reading in English will help you become familiar with the grammar and structure of the language. Start with easy articles and then move on to more advanced material as your level improves. You can also read aloud to practice your pronunciation and intonation.


Talk to yourself in English


Practice the English dialogue with yourself out loud. Imagine you are having a conversation with someone in English and think of possible responses in English. Feel free to do this in private, no one is watching you!


Watch programs in English


Watching television programs or movies in English is an excellent way to improve your ability to think in English. Try watching without subtitles so you can focus on understanding what is being said in English. If necessary, start with Spanish subtitles and progress to English subtitles as your level improves.


Practice with a friend

Find someone with whom you can practice speaking English. Talk about topics that interest you and practice speaking. If you don't have English-speaking friends, consider enrolling in an English course or joining an English conversation group.


Practice with speaking partner platforms or conversation clubs.

If you don't have anyone to practice English with, you can use a platform like Englo where you can find dozens of students who are also in the same situation, level and need to speak English. On this platform it is very easy to pairing and practice your conversational English.

Remember, thinking in English does not happen overnight. It takes constant practice to develop this skill. But with time and effort, you can quickly improve your English.


English Vocabulary: Key to Thinking and Speaking Fluently



One of the biggest obstacles to speaking English fluently is having a limited vocabulary. If you want to think naturally in English, you need to expand your repertoire of words. Here are some techniques to improve your vocabulary:

  • Read books, articles and news in English. Underline words you don't know and look them up in a dictionary.
  • Use English vocabulary learning apps. Some popular choices are Duolingo, Babbel and Quizlet.
  • Practice with flashcards. Write the word on one side and the definition on the other. Then review the flashcards and test your memory.


Remember that it is not about memorizing endless lists of words, but about incorporating them into your vocabulary naturally. As you learn new words, try to use them in relevant contexts to better assimilate them.


Thinking in English for Fluency


Once you have increased your English vocabulary, it is important that you learn to think in English. By thinking in English naturally, you will find it easier to speak in everyday situations. Here are some tips on how to do this:

  1. Start with simple, short sentences. As you become more comfortable, you can increase the complexity of your thoughts.
  2. Try to think in English during everyday activities, such as cooking or walking the dog.
  3. Listen to English music and try to understand the lyrics. This will help you think in English in a natural way.


Remember that learning a language takes time and patience. Keep practicing and improving your English vocabulary and thinking skills - soon you'll be speaking like a native!


Practicing English in Everyday Conversations


If you want to improve your conversational English skills, regular practice is essential. One of the best ways to practice is through everyday conversations with native speakers of the language.

An excellent platform for practicing English is Englo. As mentioned above, this platform allows you to practice one-on-one with other English learners. 


This may seem intimidating at first, but don't worry, it's easier than you think! Here are some tips on how to make the most of these practice opportunities:

  1. Keep an open mind: When you find yourself in an English conversation, try not to worry too much about perfect grammar and vocabulary. Instead, focus on effective communication and making meaningful connections with the other person.
  2. Listen actively: Paying attention to what the other person is saying is key to having a fluent conversation in English. Listen carefully, ask questions and repeat back what the other person said to make sure you understand.
  3. Practice useful phrases: Prepare some useful phrases before starting a conversation, such as introducing yourself, asking about the other person's interests or asking for recommendations of places to visit.
  4. Don't give up: If you struggle a bit at first, don't get discouraged. Speaking English fluently takes time and practice, but over time, you will see that your skills will improve significantly.


Remember, practice makes perfect! So don't hesitate to look for opportunities to practice everyday conversations in English and improve your English skills.


Techniques for Thinking in Another Language



Learning to think in English is a process that takes time and practice. In this section, we will provide you with effective techniques to help you think in English and develop English skills faster and more efficiently.


Before we begin, it is important to remember that everyone learns differently, so some techniques may work better for you than others.


Change your environment


One of the most effective ways to start thinking in English is to change your environment. If you surround yourself with English stimuli, such as music, television programs or movies, you will begin to adapt more easily to the language.


In addition, you can change the language of your electronic devices, such as your cell phone or computer, to force yourself to read and understand English on a daily basis. This technique will help you get used to the sounds and words of the language, which will make it easier to understand and produce in English.


Creates an immersive environment


Immersion is a very effective technique for developing skills in another language. If you have the opportunity to travel to an English-speaking country, do it! If not, you can create an immersion environment in your own home.


Try speaking English with friends or family members who are also learning English. You can watch TV shows or movies in English and practice repeating dialogues. You can even read aloud in English to improve your pronunciation and fluency.


Keep a positive attitude


It is normal to feel frustration or impatience when you are learning a new language. However, it is important to keep a positive attitude and not let the fear of failure hold you back.


Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of focusing on your mistakes, try to learn from them and use every opportunity to improve your English.


Practice, practice, practice


Practice is key to thinking fluently in English. Spend time every day speaking, writing, reading and listening in English. Constant practice will help you become more comfortable and confident in the language.


You can use online resources, such as English learning apps or language exchange platforms, to practice with native speakers. Also, looking for opportunities to speak English in everyday situations, such as in a store or restaurant, will help you get used to the language in different contexts.


Summary


To think in English effectively, it is important to change your environment, create an immersive environment, maintain a positive attitude, and practice daily. With time and effort, you will improve your English skills and be able to think in English more naturally and fluently.


The Power of Active Listening in English



Learning to speak English can be a challenge, but don't worry, there are techniques that can help you improve your English skills effectively. One of them is active listening in English.


Active listening in English consists of paying full and conscious attention to what is being spoken in the language. By doing so, you are not only improving your listening comprehension of English, but you are also learning about grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary in the context of a real conversation.


Benefits of Active Listening in English


Active listening in English can improve your ability to speak the language in several ways:

  • It allows you to adapt to the rhythm and intonation of spoken English.
  • Helps to improve the understanding of English accents and dialects.
  • It allows you to learn new words and expressions in their natural context.
  • Improve your ability to participate in natural conversations in English.


Tips for Practicing Active Listening in English


To practice active listening in English and improve your English skills, follow these tips:

  1. Listen to podcasts, radio programs and news in English.
  2. Look for videos of movies and series in English and listen carefully.
  3. Participate in conversations in English with native speakers.
  4. Ask friends or family members to speak with you in English to practice active listening.


Remember, don't worry if at first you struggle to understand everything that is being said. Regular practice will help you improve your active listening skills in English and, therefore, your English speaking skills.

"Learn to listen. Life is like an English class, you learn speech by listening."
- Tom Hanks

Learn English Through Movies and Series


A fun and effective way to improve your English level is by watching movies and series in English. This method allows you to learn in a more natural and entertaining way, and best of all, without even realizing it!


By watching movies and series in English, you are exposed to different types of accents and vocabulary, which helps you improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation. In addition, you can learn colloquial phrases and common expressions used in everyday situations.


To get the most out of this method, follow these tips:

  • Choose content appropriate to your level: If you are a beginner, choose movies and series with simpler dialogues. As you improve, you can increase the complexity.
  • Enable subtitles: By enabling English subtitles, you can read and listen at the same time, which helps you better understand what is happening on the screen.
  • Take notes: Write down new words and phrases you learn while watching the movie or series. Then practice using them in sentences and try to incorporate them into your daily vocabulary.


To illustrate how movies and series can help you improve your English, here is a table with some of the most recommended productions according to your level:

Movies To Learn English.png 78.08 KB

Remember that watching movies and series in English can be a fun and effective way to learn the language, as long as you do it frequently and with other learning techniques. Enjoy the content and improve your English at the same time!


The Importance of Regular Practice to Improve Your English



Congratulations on getting this far in your English language learning process! In this section, we will talk about the importance of regular practice and how it can help you improve your language skills.


One of the keys to improvement is to practice consistently. Whether you are a beginner or advanced level, the important thing is to dedicate time and effort to regular English practice.


Why is it important to practice regularly?


When you practice regularly, you are reinforcing your knowledge and skills in the language. It also allows you to maintain constant contact with English, which makes you feel more comfortable and confident speaking and writing in the language.


Regular practice also allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, which will allow you to focus on improving the areas that need more attention. By establishing a routine of regular practice, you will be developing the habit of learning and improving, which will help you reach your English language goals.


Tips for integrating regular practice into your daily routine


Here are some practical tips on how to include regular practice in your daily routine and improve your level of English:

  • Set realistic goals: setting realistic and achievable goals will allow you to stay motivated and focused in your learning process.
  • Find a conversation partner: having someone to practice English with regularly can be a great help in improving your communication skills.
  • Seek out opportunities to practice: Take every opportunity to practice your English, such as watching movies or series in English, reading books in English, or participating in conversation groups.
  • Use apps and online resources: there are plenty of apps and online resources you can use to improve your English. Look for those that suit your needs and preferences.


Remember that regular practice is key to improving your English. Dedicate time and effort to practice and you will see how your skills improve day by day.


Using Technology to Improve your English Skills



Nowadays, technology offers us a wide variety of resources to improve our English skills. Here are some options that you can use:


Applications for Learning English


There are many mobile applications that can help you improve your English level. Some of the most popular ones are Duolingo, Babbel and Memrise. These apps allow you to practice vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation in a fun and entertaining way.


Online Learning Platforms


Another option is online learning platforms such as Coursera, EdX or Udemy. These platforms offer a wide variety of online courses, some free and some paid, that allow you to improve your English skills in specific areas such as business, technology or grammar.


Websites for Improving Oral and Written Comprehension


There are websites such as BBC Learning English, English Central or FluentU that offer videos, podcasts and other content to improve oral and written comprehension in English. In addition, these sites often have interactive exercises that allow you to practice what you have learned.


Websites to Improve Your Conversation


There are other websites like Englo that offer students a way to connect one-on-one to talk in English about everyday topics. This is the most recommended way to really think in English and perfect your level.



Social Networks to Practice English


Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can also be a useful tool to improve your English skills. You can join online groups or communities where English is spoken and practice your skills in an interactive way.


Do not hesitate to use any of these options to improve your English skills. Remember that technology can be a great ally in your learning process.


Practical tips for speaking English like a native speaker



If you are looking to improve your ability to speak English, it is important to learn to speak like a native speaker. Here are some practical tips that can help you do just that:


1. Listen and repeat


One of the best ways to speak English like a native speaker is to listen and repeat. Try listening to native English speakers in television programs, movies or music. Then practice repeating what you hear out loud, paying attention to pronunciation and intonation.


2. Learn complete sentences


Instead of learning single words, try to learn complete sentences. This way, you will be able to better understand how words are used in real contexts and you will speak more naturally.


3. Practice with a conversation partner


Find an English-speaking partner and practice with them regularly. This will help you improve your fluency and confidence in speaking the language.


4. Use idiomatic expressions


Idiomatic expressions are a set of words that have a different meaning than what they are given literally. Learning some common idiomatic expressions will help you speak more naturally and in the context that native speakers use them.


5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes


No one is perfect at speaking a foreign language. If you make mistakes, don't worry too much. There will always be opportunities to keep improving and learn from them.


With these practical tips, you will be able to improve your ability to speak English like a native speaker. Remember that practice is the key to reaching your goals more effectively - keep speaking English with confidence and you're sure to succeed!


Overcoming the Fear of Making a Mistake in English Speech



If you are looking to learn English, it is normal to be afraid of making mistakes when speaking. Many people feel insecure when communicating in a language that is not their native tongue. However, not letting fear paralyze you is essential to improving your language skills.


You must remember that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process. All native and non-native speakers make mistakes when speaking, the important thing is not to let this stop you.


To overcome the fear of making mistakes when speaking English, follow these tips:

  1. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you will be when communicating. Practice will help you feel more comfortable and better manage your fear.
  2. Focus on the message: Instead of worrying about grammar or pronunciation, focus on getting your message across. If you focus too much on perfection, your fluency and naturalness may suffer.
  3. Don't give up: Don't let fear stop you from continuing to practice and improve. Learning a language takes time and effort, but if you stick to your goal, you will become fluent.
  4. Learn from your mistakes: Instead of punishing yourself for making a mistake, analyze what you did wrong and try to correct it. Learning from your mistakes is a great way to improve your language skills.


Remember that the fear of making mistakes will not disappear overnight, but with practice and perseverance, you can overcome it. Don't give up and keep working on your English skills.


Focusing on Communication rather than Perfection


To communicate better in English, it is important to focus on communication rather than perfection. Many times, worrying about speaking perfectly can prevent you from communicating effectively and fluently.


Remember that the main objective of learning English is to be able to communicate with other people in English. Therefore, it is more important to focus on getting the message across clearly and effectively than worrying about perfect grammar or pronunciation.


To improve your English communication skills, it is recommended:

  • Maintain a positive attitude and be open to learning from mistakes.
  • Practice active listening to better understand what others are saying to you.
  • Use words and phrases that you know well and that allow you to express your ideas clearly and simply.
  • Don't be afraid to use new words or phrases that you have not yet fully mastered.
  • Ask if you don't understand something instead of remaining in doubt.


Remember that communication is a two-way process. If you are having difficulty understanding someone or making yourself understood, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or repeat what you said in another way to make sure you are understanding each other.

"True communication is when both sides feel understood."

The Role of Intensive Practice in Conversational English



Now that you've learned various techniques for thinking in English and improving your English skills, it's time to put your knowledge into practice. Regular practice is key to success in any language, but intensive practice in conversational English can accelerate your learning process and help you speak like a native in no time.


There are several ways to practice intensive conversational English, one of them is through immersion programs abroad, where you will have the opportunity to speak the language with native speakers and immerse yourself in the English-speaking culture. However, if you don't have the possibility to travel, don't worry, there are other options.


An alternative is to find an intensive online practice program, where you can interact with tutors and other language learners, practice real conversations and learn vocabulary and everyday expressions. In addition, you can find online or face-to-face conversation groups where you can practice English with other students at a similar level to your own.


Another way to intensively practice conversational English is through immersion in English-speaking culture through movies, music, television programs and other media. Pay attention to the pronunciation, intonation and vocabulary used in these media and try to apply it in your daily conversations.


How to Implement Intensive Practice in your Routine


To implement intensive practice into your routine, it is advisable to schedule daily practice sessions of at least 30 minutes a day. Set specific goals for each session, such as learning new words, practicing pronunciation or improving listening comprehension.


In addition, it is important to integrate intensive practice with regular practice. Use what you learn in your intensive sessions in your daily conversations and apply the tips learned in the other sections of this article.


Regular vs Intensive Practice.png 153.06 KB

As you can see, intensive practice has many benefits for improving your conversational English quickly and effectively. However, it is not necessary to choose one or the other form of practice, as both are complementary and will help you achieve your language goals.


Conclusion



Congratulations! You have reached the end of this article where you have learned practical techniques and tips for thinking in English and speaking like a native speaker. We hope you have found useful information and that you can apply it in your learning process.


Remember that thinking in English is fundamental to improve your language skills and communicate fluently and naturally. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and focus on communication rather than perfection.


We recommend using resources such as movies and series in English, online applications, and intensive conversational English practice to accelerate your learning.


Don't stop there! Continue implementing these strategies in your daily routine and you will see how your English level improves significantly. Keep thinking in English and keep going!


FAQs



Why is it important to develop the ability to think in English?


Thinking in English is fundamental to be able to speak like a native speaker. This helps you to be more fluent and natural when communicating in the language. It also allows you to understand and express yourself more effectively.


What techniques can I use to think in English and improve my level?


Some effective techniques include listening to music in English, watching movies and series in English, reading books and articles in the language, practicing everyday conversations, and using apps and online resources for language practice.


How can I expand my English vocabulary?


To expand your English vocabulary, you can read English books and magazines, listen to English music and podcasts, watch English movies and series with English subtitles, and use apps and online resources to help you learn new words and phrases.


How can I use everyday conversations to practice English?


You can look for opportunities to practice English in your daily life, such as conversing with English-speaking friends, participating in language exchange groups, making phone calls in English, and using language exchange apps to practice with native speakers.


What is the role of active listening in learning English?


Active listening is fundamental to improving your speaking and thinking skills in English. By listening carefully, you will be able to pick up new vocabulary, grammatical structures and pronunciations. This will help you develop greater listening comprehension and fluency in the language.


How can I use movies and series in English to learn the language?


You can use English movies and series as learning tools by watching them with English subtitles, repeating phrases and dialogues aloud, and taking notes on vocabulary and expressions you hear. This will allow you to improve your listening comprehension and familiarize yourself with the natural use of the language.


What is the importance of regular practice to improve English?


Regular practice is essential to improve your English. By spending time consistently studying and practicing the language, you can consolidate your knowledge, develop fluency and confidence, and acquire new language skills.


How can I use technology to improve my English skills?


You can use mobile apps and online resources, such as online learning platforms, online dictionaries, podcasts and educational videos, to practice the language, expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation and listening comprehension.


What tips can I follow to speak English like a native speaker?


Some practical tips include listening to and practicing the pronunciation and intonation of native speakers, studying and using idiomatic phrases and colloquial expressions, and immersing yourself in the language through real conversations and experiences with native speakers.


How can I overcome the fear of making mistakes when speaking English?


It is normal to make mistakes when learning a new language. To overcome the fear of making mistakes, remember that mistakes are learning opportunities and part of the improvement process. Practice with confidence and don't worry about mistakes, as they are a natural part of learning.


Is communication more important than perfection when speaking English?


Yes, it is more important to focus on communication than perfection in speaking English. The main goal in learning a language is to be able to communicate effectively. Don't worry about being perfect, instead focus on conveying your ideas and understanding what others are saying.


What is intensive practice in conversational English?


Intensive practice in conversational English refers to spending significant and concentrated time practicing and improving your English communication skills. This involves engaging in frequent conversations, using the language in real-life situations and practicing with native speakers on a regular basis.

Start speaking a second language with confidence.
Join Next Speaking Event
deco-blob-1 decoration

Share this article:

“Think in English, Speak like a Native: Techniques and Practical Tips”
– Daniel twitter social icon Tweet
0 Comments

Post a comment
Log In to Comment

Related Stories

Nov 09, 2024

Englo is Expanding to Europe!

At Englo, we firmly believe that learning English isn’t only about mastering grammar or studying alone. It’s about real, meaningful communication—u...

Daniel
By Daniel

2024: The Year to Master Spoken English and Leave Procrastination Behind

As the new year 2024 begins, many of us set goals and resolutions with renewed hope. Learning or improving our level of English is often on the lis...

Daniel
By Daniel

8 Movies on Netflix to Learn English: An Effective Tool to Improve Your Conversational English

Looking for a fun and effective way to learn spoken English? Movies on Netflix can be an amazing tool for improving your conversational English. No...

Daniel
By Daniel
arrow-up icon