The 7 Steps for Fluency in English

1. Think and Plan: Think and plan what you will say in English so you do not feel surprised in the moment you need it. What do you want to be able to understand and say and to whom? Imagine the people and situations in which you would like to use English.
 
2. Surround Yourself with English Input: Listen to and read English that is practical to the way you want and need to use it, like in Step 1. For example, do you want to be able to debate and share your opinion in English? Then watch debates, or even the movie called The Great Debaters in English!

3. Be Curious: Notice new words that you see more than once. Instead of ignoring them, write them down and find out the meaning. Remember to do this after listening, after conversations, and after reading — not during.

4. Repeat: Repeat new words out loud and with emotion immediately! If it is not possible to repeat them out loud immediately, repeat them in your head. Repeat new words often and use flashcards or a notebook to remind you.

5. Connect: You can connect new words with a related word, idea, or thing that you already know, even in your own language. For example, I always remember that “owaiso” means “the check” in Japanese because it sounds like “eye sore.”

6. Use: Try using new words as soon, and as often, as you can. When you use words, you get feedback from people you are talking with. Did they understand? If you can’t talk with an English speaker right away, then try writing a message on social media, an email, or simply in your journal.
 
7. Review: Repeat all the steps to grow your vocabulary and fluency in English. Remember that it is necessary to review, repeat and consistently use English every day for improvement.