34 experts offer their tips for English fluency

How to speak fluent English – 34 experts give their tips on Jason R Levine's Fluency MC.

A number of the world’s leading language learning experts like David Deubelbeiss, Larry Ferlazzo, Nik Peachey or Scott Thornbury give their opinion on how learners can become more fluent English speakers.

Five rules of thumb for polite language

Some months ago The MacMillan Dictionary Blog published a really interesting entry by guest blogger Luke Thompson about the importance of indirectness in English to establish "a respectful and polite relationship between speakers", especially within a business context or if we don't know the other speaker(s) very well.

Luke Thompson explains, for example, why it is wrong to say "I disagree" in some contexts, as we can come across as impolite or aggressive, and we should say "I see what you mean, but..." or "I agree up to a point, but...".

Luke Thompson establishes five basic rules of thumb for polite and diplomatic language:
1 Listen and be understanding
2 Avoid negative words
3 Say "sorry"
4 Use little words to soften your statements
5 Avoid using the word "you"

Being polite and diplomatic in this way is something native speakers of English take for granted, and something they do automatically. It is, therefore, a cultural aspect of the language that some speakers from other nationalities find it difficult to come to terms with, as they come from cultures where directness is an asset.

Drop by The MacMillan Dictionary Blog and read the explanations and examples Luke Thompson provides on this cultural issue.

Talking point: How much do you gossip?

• How much time do you spend every day gossiping or listening to gossip, whether in person or online?
• Do you think gossiping is dangerous?
• Do you think you could refrain from gossiping for an entire day?
• What are some of the consequences of gossip that you have observed in your own life?
• Talk about your experience of gossip.

Before you get together with your discussion group, you may like to gain further background information about the topic by reading this The New York Times article, In Small Town Gossip Moves to the Web, and Turns Vicious.

When you get together with your friends, you may agree or disagree with the ideas they express. Use these expressions to show your attitude to what they say:

Agreement

I quite agree.
You are quite right.
I agree with you entirely.
That’s absolutely true.

Partial agreement

I agree up to a point, but...

I agree with you to some extent.

I see what you mean but...

Disagreement

I’m not sure you’re right there.
I’m afraid I can’t accept that.
I can’t possibly accept that / agree with you.
(I’m afraid) I don’t agree.

Talking point: Making decisions

Do you find it difficult to make decisions?
What helps you to make good decisions?
Do you usually turn to someone for help before making a decision
How long do you take to make up your mind before making a decision?
Have you experienced decision fatigue?
Do you think that being tired erodes your willpower?
Do you remember an important decision you made that you know regret?
Do you remember an important decision you made that you are really happy about?

Get together with your conversation group and discuss all the ins and outs of decision-making for you. Before you get together to talk, you may like to gain some insight into the topic through The New York Times article Do you suffer from decision fatigue?

During your discussion with your friends you will be stating your views all the time. Remember to use some of the following expressions when you express your opinion:

In my opinion/view …
Personally, I think …
I really don’t think …
[It seems] to me …
As I see it …
I reckon …
As far as I'm concerned

To be perfectly honest …