How to improve speaking skills?

I think the best solution is still practice. Keep on trying. Engage friends in conversation. There is also an organization called "Toastmasters". Its goal is to help its members improve their speaking skills.

remove the tongues of your enemies and eat them. you will recieve their awesome wordular powers.

Look for a public speaking class where they actually tape you speaking and try to show you what you're doing wrong. Look online for some local seminars or books that can help you. I'm sure you'll find something and you'll do fine. If you can't speak well, it will be very difficult to get a decent paying job-buy there is hope!! Good Luck!

You could see a speech therapist. They will work with you on any part of your speaking.

Think before you talk, I used to say umm a lot. I had to catch myself before I would slip up and say that.

I know one thing that helped me when I was in college. My instructor said he can't stand to hear people speaking and then saying, "YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN" or too many ummms. So maybe if you could just hear someone say how awful it sounds.

There are free courses offered to improve your English. Some these courses are offered by the public school system in your area. Check with them. If they don't offer such classes, they may be able direct you to someplace else.

Hi Hollyhoo... I think that you have conquered the biggest problem regarding your speech concerns!! You realize that you have them when many people don't!!! I think as long as you are aware of your concerns, you can do very much for yourself. The most important thing to do is relax! Do not be self conscious about what you think is a problem. Take your time before answering and do not let anyone pressure you into giving a fast answer! Practice reading books out loud by yourself in a quiet relaxed atmosphere.Read the dictionary! It can be fun to see all the new words you never thought of! Smile!!.... Let your spirit shine and when others reply with smiles, you will feel confidence! When you feel confident you will relax and the speech will flow freely! Take a drama, speech class where you must speak in front of others repetedly, and from that practice you will gain confidence! I took a Dale Carnegie class which started out scarey, but became so much fun! Think about all the life experiences you have, and talk from the heart. You will be fine once you realize that you are special and have much to offer this world from all that you know! Remember that other people are as nervous and self concious as you are, and when you are looking at them imagine them in their underwear! Sound silly?, it's true. We all wear them and are all the same under the layers we put on! That should bring a smile to your face, which will make people you speak to smile too! (Just don't tell them what your smiling about!!!) Best wishes my friend...you are fine! kmj

The best advice I received on speaking was from a summer college teacher whose main occupation was acting (I live near Hollywood). A student was speaking in our class and got so nervous she slowly started to move to the classroom door and then ran out (yes, this really happened). Our teacher told her, in a very nice way, that she was being selfish and that was why she got so nervous. He explained further that what he meant was that she was so focused on herself that all she could think about was her nervousness. Instead, he said, focus on the person you are speaking to and how important it is for them to hear what you have to say. Think more of yourself, consider what you have to say as important and focus on getting your message across to the person you are speaking to, which will decrease your nervousness and allow you to find the words you need and make clear assertive statements.