Getting comfortable with spoken English can make a big difference when you’re traveling. In places like the UK, where English is the primary language, it makes everyday interactions smoother and helps you get more out of the experience. Plus, it’s a useful step if you’re curious about British culture and want to learn more while you’re there.
Translation apps are useful and help get the message across quicker, but it’s also a good idea to give interactions some more time and effort if you want to improve your speaking. The good news? You don’t need to wait forever to get results. With a few smart habits, you’ll be more confident in no time.
Here are three easy ways to improve your English speaking skills – no boring classes required.
- Talk Out Loud Every Day (Even If It’s Just to Yourself)
Getting used to speaking English regularly is one of the quickest ways to feel more at ease with the language. You don’t need a study partner, just a few quiet minutes each day and your own voice.
Try to carve out 10 to 15 minutes daily to speak in English. You can talk about what you see around you, run through your to-do list, or explain what you’re doing while you cook or get ready for the day. It might feel awkward at first, but it really helps you get into the rhythm of the language.
If you want to go further, record yourself on your phone and listen back later. You’ll start noticing little things, like unclear pronunciation or spots where you pause too long, and that gives you something specific to work on.
- Listen to English Often and Make It Fun
If you’d rather not talk to yourself, no worries – start by listening more. Watching TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos in English (with subtitles on) is an easy way to hear how people actually talk.
Pick content you enjoy so it feels less like homework. Podcasts are great, too. You can listen on your commute, while exercising, or during chores. Pay attention to how sentences are put together and which phrases come up often.
Want something a bit more focused? These quick and useful tools are worth checking out:
- The English We Speak – Short clips that teach real, everyday phrases.
- 6 Minute English – Brief lessons you can fit into a busy schedule.
Both are made by the British Council and give you helpful, bite-sized practice.
- Use Apps to Practice With Real People
Your phone isn’t just for streaming or scrolling – it can help you practice talking to others. There are plenty of apps that connect you with English speakers or fellow learners, so you can try having real conversations.
Here are a few worth trying:
- Tandem or HelloTalk – Let you chat with people who are learning your language while they help you practice English.
- ConversationExchange.com – Pairs you with someone for a casual language swap.
- Duolingo and Babbel – Offer quick speaking drills to help fine-tune your pronunciation.
- Speechling – Gives feedback from language coaches.
- italki – Lets you book a session with a tutor for more personal help.
Many of these apps have free features, so you can try a few and see which ones you like.
Getting Better at Speaking Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need to spend years in classes to improve. Just by practicing a little each day, listening regularly, and using the right tools, you’ll start to notice a real difference.
And if you’re planning a trip to an English-speaking country, say, the UK, an eSIM for the UK can help you to keep learning on the go, whether you’re using a language app on a hike or watching a podcast back at your hotel.
What matters most is keeping at it. The more often you use English, the more natural it will feel and the easier it becomes to speak with confidence.
