Want to improve your English - you need an action plan

The only way to constantly improve your English is to adopt a plan of action and creats a habit for success.

"A dream written down with a date becomes a GOAL. A goal broken down into steps becomes a PLAN. A plan backed by ACTION makes your dreams come true."

Greg Reid

How to Create an Action Plan to Improve Your Business English Conversation Skills

If you want to develop your business English conversation skills, creating an action plan is a great place to start. As with any skill, English can be honed and improved with practice. An effective action plan will help you identify the areas you need to focus on and give you the motivation to make progress. In this blog post, we'll look at how to create an action plan to help you become more confident and proficient in your business English conversations.

Define your goals

The first step to improving your speaking skills in English is to define your goals.

Ask yourself, “What level of proficiency do I want to achieve?”

Do you want to learn basic conversational skills, or are you aiming to become fluent in English?

By understanding your own learning goals, you can better structure your action plan and focus on the specific areas you need to improve.

Once you have defined your goals, make sure to break them down into smaller, more achievable objectives.

For example, if your goal is to become fluent in English, start by setting realistic targets, such as learning new words and improving your pronunciation.

This way you’ll be able to track your progress and stay motivated throughout the process. Additionally, setting clear objectives will help you identify which resources and techniques work best for you.

Choose the right resources

Improving your English conversation skills starts with finding the right resources to learn from.

As there are many types of English, it’s important to focus on the type that best suits your purpose.

For instance, if you want to improve your business English conversation skills, you should look for resources geared towards this specific area.

When it comes to how to improve your speaking skills in English, there are plenty of options available. Podcasts, online classes, books and even tutors are all great resources for learning English. It’s important to choose a resource that fits your learning style and goals. For example, if you prefer visual learning, try finding an online class with video lectures or an interactive platform. If you’re more of an auditory learner, podcasts may be the right fit for you.

Take some time to research different English language resources and find one that’s right for you. Once you’ve found the right resource, make sure you commit to using it regularly and consistently. You can also consider combining multiple resources to get the best results. With the right resources and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to improving your English conversation skills!

An example of a resource of ree learning is here British Council - general English magazine

Make a study schedule

Creating a study schedule is one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking skills in English. A study schedule helps you focus on what needs to be done, and keeps you on track to reach your goals. In my downloadable action plan, I have some templates for you to complete.

Here are some tips to help you create an effective study schedule:

1. Set realistic goals – Start by setting short-term goals for yourself. These should be achievable in a few weeks, such as learning a new phrase or reading a book in English.

2. Break down your goals into smaller tasks – To make your goals easier to achieve, break them down into smaller tasks. This will help you stay motivated and focused on the steps that need to be taken to improve your speaking skills in English.

3. Make time for practice – Set aside time in your schedule to practise your English. This could include conversing with native English speakers or using online resources such as podcasts and apps.

4. Use reminders – Use reminders to keep yourself on track and make sure that you don’t forget important tasks or activities.

5. Track your progress – Make sure to track your progress and celebrate small successes along the way. This will help motivate you to continue and keep up with your study schedule.

Set up a practice routine

One of the best ways to improve your speaking skills in English is to create a practice routine. This can be done either on your own or with someone else. If you choose to practise alone, you can use online resources such as podcasts, audio recordings and YouTube videos to help guide you. You can also watch movies and television shows in English and try to mimic the dialogue.

If you have a friend or family member who is also trying to learn English, then you can practise together by having conversations about topics that interest you both. Take turns leading the conversation and actively listen to each other's ideas. This will help you both become more comfortable with speaking English.

You can also look into joining an English-speaking club or group. These clubs are great because they provide a supportive environment for learning and practising English. They also provide opportunities for engaging with native English speakers, which can help you to pick up new vocabulary and improve your accent.

Finally, consider finding an online or in-person tutor to help you with specific areas of English that you find challenging.

We offer a free strategy session to go through your plan and get you started Contact us using the form.

A tutor can provide personalised instruction and feedback, allowing you to identify and work on weaknesses in your language skills.

Get feedback from a native speaker

One of the most effective ways to improve your speaking skills in English is to get feedback from a native speaker. Receiving feedback from a native speaker can help you understand how to better express yourself and can help you identify which areas need improvement. When looking for feedback, consider seeking out someone who you feel comfortable talking to, such as a friend, teacher, or mentor.

To get the most out of the feedback session, come prepared with questions about specific topics that you would like to discuss. For example, you may want to focus on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, or even intonation. Make sure to ask specific questions about how you can improve your speaking skills in English and be open to any suggestions that they may have.

You can also practise speaking in English with a native speaker. Practising with a native speaker will give you an opportunity to get real-time feedback and learn more about the language through conversation. This is also a great way to build up your confidence in speaking English. You can easily find native English speakers online, in your local community, or through language exchange programs.

Take a break

It's important to take breaks while studying. When you feel overwhelmed or tired, give yourself a break. You can use the break to get some fresh air, stretch your muscles, grab a snack, or even just sit quietly and relax. This will help you focus better and improve your English speaking skills. During your break, think about how you are doing and what areas you need to work on. Additionally, if you find yourself stuck on something, it can be helpful to take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes.

Finally... If you want a ready to go action plan template and a guide to help with resources complete the request form and a FREE ebook will arrive in your inbox.Link to free ebook - A guide to Create an English Action Plan and improve your English Communication