Lecture Notes: Journey to Fluent English

Introduction

• At 20 years old, struggled with English:
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Strong accent
  • Translated thoughts from native language to English
• Motivation for improvement: Desire to change career opportunities.

Encountering Fluent English Mr. Wang

• Saw an ad for an expert promising fluency in one year.
• Private lessons were expensive ($30/hour).
• Inspired by Mr. Wang’s success but lacked resources.

Initial Learning Strategies

• Started reading books from the library about English fluency.
• Chose books written by native speakers.
• Summarized strategies from books:
  • Listen, read, use learned vocabulary.
• Results: Better understanding but still struggled with speaking.

Shift in Approach

• Began reading books by successful non-native speakers.
• Found a crucial strategy: Repeat what you hear.
• One helpful book by Tony Robbins on goal setting.

Development of the Fluent English Formula

• Created a strategy after summarizing insights from various books:
  • Named it "My Fluent English Formula".
• Daily subway commute (1 hour 54 minutes) became practice time.
  • Used a Walkman to listen to lessons and repeat phrases aloud.

Practicing the Strategy

• Started with NPR news; recorded and repeated segments.
• Whispered at first, then spoke louder to combat subway noise.
• Recorded progress after three months, noticed improvement in fluency.

Following Through with Practice

• Adjusted approach to record and practice new material weekly.
• Mastered four 60-minute tapes over a month.
• Continued to practice previously learned material for retention.

Results After Six Months

• Significant improvement:
  • Accent reduced
  • Clear pronunciation
  • Smooth speech flow
• Friends and family noticed improvements in English.

Continuous Effort and New Techniques

• Continued practicing after achieving fluency.
• Developed additional techniques like "open throat" for even better fluency.
• Open throat technique involves:
  • Talking with energy from the diaphragm.
  • Emphasis on proper airflow and voice projection.

Key Components of the Fluent English Formula

1. Set Your Goal:
   • Deciding what you want to achieve is crucial.
   • Clarity in your goal enhances focus.
2. Take Action:
   • Begin practicing consistently.
   • Focus on what you will do, not just what you can do.
3. Follow Through:
   • Persistence is key to achieving fluency.
   • Keep practicing daily and reviewing past materials.

Importance of Material Selection

• Choose materials that reflect native speaker language use.
• Avoid unrealistic or overly formal English conversations.
• Focus on either British or American English; stick to one for consistency.

Practice Recommendations

• Utilize various settings for practice:
  • Train, bus, car, cooking at home, or during outdoor activities.
• Use technology (cell phones, headphones) for practice on the go.

Conclusion

• Success in learning English requires dedication and consistent practice.
• The journey to fluency is possible for anyone willing to put in the effort.