Hard to have a conversation in English?

I have never met anyone born outside the U.S. who did not want to improve their comfort in conversing in English. Almost all non-native speakers realize that they cannot understand 100% "exactly" for various reasons. Most adults who speak English as a Second Language stop making an effort to learn new vocabulary words after they learn enough words to get by. Another obstacle to conversation is doubt about pronunciation, either when listening or speaking. The biggest challenge for many people is simply they have never been taught basic conversation skills. Learners feel especially shy since they do not know even any basic rules of conversation.

Conversation strategies are completely separate from English language skill and fluency. Conversation is a social skill requiring collaboration with other willing participants. You can speak English to yourself by writing or reading out loud. Some of the most intelligent and fluent native born thinkers can express themselves beautifully in a lecture but feel hopelessly out of place at a neighborhood picnic or potluck. Some extremely smart people have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, while others less gifted enjoy the many benefits of friendly conversation. Friendly conversation builds trust and respect between people and really let us know each other.

Where can you find basic conversation skills? Try Conversation Starters.com for an overview of simple ways to engage others in conversation. Even if you have mastered the English language, if you don't know how to start and continue a conversation you will probably always feel like an outsider. The truth is that knowing basic conversation skills is much, much more important than using the correct grammar and pronunciation. You can start practicing right now!  Check out 101 conversation starters to get the idea. Don't wait until some future time that you dream will come after you study English longer.