Students often ask me what they can do to improve their English and their communication. The best tip I have is this:

Ask More Questions

It's pretty simple, really. You will us English in ways no one else will. You will communicate in situations with certain people in specific places that no one else will. 

You will need and use English in ways that are unique to you

So, I recommend that you be curious. Talk to everyone you can in the settings in which you use English. Ask sincere questions. This will get you learning lots of new vocabulary. You will be speaking English more. You will be listening to English more. 

Strategy For Newer English Learners

Newer English learners can benefit from Power Tools for learning English.

What are Language Power Tools?

The incredible professor that first trained me in TESOL in my Bachelor's program, Wally Cirafesi, trained us to give students language Power Tools. This means- statements or questions that can give you more language. They are like a tool, but better. They get more done faster. Just like the difference between these two:

What Are Some Language Power Tools?

Try asking questions like:

• What is that? (You can learn lots of nouns this way!)

• What are you doing? (You can learn tons of verbs this way!)

• How do you say....?

• What did you say?

• What does ______ mean? (Fill in the blank with a new word or phrase)

Strategies for All Language Learners

Use informational interviewing to help you learn a ton about other people, different industries, current trends and more.

Ask Questions About People

People feel respected and valued when others ask sincere questions about them. By learning to ask great questions, you can become a better communicator. You can build relationships and strengthen trust. You can develop connections that can potentially help you both in the future. Try questions like these. Then ask follow-up questions to find out more about what they say:

• Where are you from?

• How long have you lived here?

• What brought you to (insert city name)?

• What do you do?

• How did you choose that field?

• What do you like about it the most?

• What do you like to do in your free time?

• If you could be anywhere right now doing anything- where would you be and what would you be doing?

• What are your top goals in life?

Ask Questions About Industries and Current Trends

• What are the greatest challenges in

Ask About Anything That Interests You

Questions should be as unique as you. Every question you ask gives you an opportunity to improve your speaking and listening in English. It gives you a chance to build a relationship and make a connection. 

Think about everything you wonder about. Consider everything you would like to learn about. Take notes on the things you want to be able to talk about in English, but can't yet. 

They also enjoy being able to share what they know. Most people feel good about being helpful.