The key to increasing fluency is speaking more often. Who would have guessed?
But what do you do if you don't have a native speaker to converse with? Perhaps, you've heard linguists recommend practising in the mirror? If you're not too self-conscious that is.
Though it might seem rather silly, it might not be such a bad idea. Speaking aloud to yourself in your target language can be really useful, and it certainly takes away the pressure of having others listen. Though, perhaps you might get a little stuck with what to say? This is where the articulate.xyz app comes in.
With the articulate.xyz app you can read out loud. Choose from several different books. From easy books, like Peter Rabbit, to more difficult books like "On the Origin of Species". Sure, you may still make mistakes but unlike just reading out loud on your own, the app listens to you. It works out what words you're having trouble with and builds specific practice lists and suggests lessons with areas to practise.
Other important steps to improving fluency include listening to more spoken English. You should try to do this every day. An easy way to achieve this is to listen to the radio or watch the news on TV or the internet. It can also be very helpful if you can add the subtitles. When you encounter words that seem more difficult, add these to the "My List" area in the app. That way you can practise them over and over until you're happy with them.
Try to speak a little slower. Listeners generally don't mind someone speaking a little more slowly and carefully, especially if it means they're more easily understood. Speed will come with time.
Learn and study some phrases as well as individual words. You'll notice that as words "link" together they often affect the sound of other words around them. A term known as "linking".
Though it is true that written sentences are not the same as a native conversation, reading sentences provide the opportunity try out different combinations and usage of language. Reading aloud gives you the opportunity to make the required sounds. And, of course, any book with characters speaking will also use phrases that reflecting speech.
Most importantly, don't be afraid of making mistakes. Unlike talking to people, the app is very forgiving.
If you would like to to get the app and try it out on your Android or Apple phone or iPad then visit https://www.articulate.xyz