When looking at your spoken English skills, you probably know of some areas that need work. Consider both positive and negative aspects of your speaking skills. For example, you may want to work on subject-verb agreement, pronunciation of words, complete sentences or pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Once you brainstorm, set a few reasonable goals. Normally, the more specific your goals, the more likely you are to keep them. For example, instead of saying, "I will expand my vocabulary," you might say "I will use power verbs."
Practice your spoken English in a variety of settings. Speak with a friend on the phone or over dinner, concentrating on improving one aspect. Expand your efforts to speaking with more people, such at dinner parties or church. Ask a trusted friend to provide you with feedback, or analyze yourself or record yourself speaking. Use the feedback to think of new strategies for improvement.
Another effective way to practice is to read to young children. Children will not criticize your spoken English, but you will have the chance to experience how words and sentences sound when spoken aloud. Additionally, reading to youngsters will benefit their speaking abilities, as reading improves vocabulary. It is a win-win situation for both.
Study masters of spoken English. Politicians, businesspeople and actors' livelihoods depend on their command of the English language. Use online resources to discover famous speeches or watch national news stations and find speaking behaviors you desire. Make a list of traits and find ways to emulate them. You can also see undesirable speaking habits in someone else and learn what to avoid.
Educate yourself about language. "Three Kinds of Language" on the Scholastic website lists pragmatic language as "all the subtle facets of language -- facial expressions, body movements, tone, volume, inflection, ideas about when to speak and for how long." Pragmatic language can help or hinder your spoken English. You may not be bothered by all aspects of your spoken English. Discover what you do well and what you would like to improve. Focus on a few factors instead of many. After all, "these additions are the amplifiers and fine-tuners of communication." Once you are comfortable with the broader aspects of spoken English, begin honing the finer areas. Speaking English well is a life-long lesson.