Improving my English speaking skills was one of my top priorities I would do when I found out that my student visa was approved so I could study at a university in Los Angeles. Although English is medium of instruction in the education system in Hong Kong where I came from, I was not very fluent in my oral English communication skills. So I resolved that before I came to settle down and start my studies in Los Angeles, I should improve my oral communication skills. I took a short-term English as a Second Language (ESL) class when I was still home and I read books and other printed materials and read online articles from the Internet on how to improve English speaking skills so that I would minimise my accent and be well understood by native English speakers.
Besides my ESL class, I bought some audio compact discs that contained audio lessons on how to improve English speaking skills, how to speak and pronounce correct English, and other lessons that focused on speaking the correct and proper form of English. I also made an effort to watch more television shows that use the English language especially the American form of English. I also spent more time in reading English language newspapers, magazines and books that focused on formal and conversational English. I learned that understanding the written English would help me in improving my oral communication abilities.
I am now in the second year of taking up my bachelor's degree here in Los Angeles and I am glad to say that all the materials and other information I read on how to improve English speaking skills has really helped me. I overcame my initial shyness and reluctance in speaking English. I am now more confident to discuss and talk in English with the lecturers and other students in the university and with other people.
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