Listen to improve language

Hi All!

Welcome to Prime Speak, my blog about communicating well!

Often I am asked by professionals, young and old, "How do I improve my language skills?" or "How can I learn to speak better?" For all such questions I have only one answer : "Listen."

As adults we forget that we first learnt to speak through listening. It is a tried and tested method and we have tons of practice learning language this way, don't you agree? After all, if you spend a few minutes where more than a handful of people are gathered, the noise level alone would tell you that most people have significant language skills.


"So what is the problem?" you may ask. The problem is that casual conversations and business discussions are completely different. The language itself may be different. Even when language is the same, the vocabulary could be different. After all you are not an accountant at home. :)
The level of formality could very well be different.
"Yes, it could be... but how to get over this?"
"Simply Listen."
"Yes, but listen to what?"
Good question. You listen to the domain or area where you need to improve. That is listening to more professional material on audio or attending seminars.
Look for websites that podcasts finance or accounting related discussions or essays.
Look for audio versions of financial newspapers or magazines. Many such sites are free. Some may require an account to be created, often at no charge.
I personally like to listen to podcasts on the Economists website. http://www.economist.com/.
It is important that you find something that you like. Or it will be difficult to stick with it. Spend not more the 20-30 minutes a day. In weeks you will notice improvement in vocabulary, pronunciation and structure. In 5-6 months, others will be asking you the same question. " How can I improve my speaking skills?"
And you will say.
"Listen."
Take up this challenge and share your experience in the comment section.
I will be posting every Monday for you to start the week with a new perspective on communication.

Happy Listening!

Gayatri