Check out the best free English speaking courses available on Coursera like Public Speaking for English Learners, Glasscock Public Speaking, Writing in English at University, Engaging Students with STEM and STEAM and Teaching English Online!
If you are new to learning English, Improve English and American English Pronunciation are great first steps. They both offer video lessons and practice activities to help you develop your overall English speaking skills. Additionally, you can use the Learn English specialization to really drill home key grammar and vocabulary concepts. For those more difficult American English words, the Tricky American English Pronunciation course is also worthwhile considering. Finally, if you want to hone your presentation and public speaking capabilities, Public Speaking is an invaluable resource.
For those looking to hone their advanced English speaking skills, Coursera offers several courses to choose from. The specialization in Speak and Listen in English is a great way to dive into speaking English for both personal and professional conversations. For a more business orientated audience, the Essential English for Business Professionals course covers the essentials of negotiations and other professional topics. Those interested in more specific topics, such as how to conduct meetings in English and academic discussions, should look into the Business English: Meetings and Academic Discussion in English courses. Finally, the Presentations and Speaking So That People Listen course is essential for public speakers looking to practice their speaking skills.
English speaking skills are the language skills people use when they talk to others in the English language. They include fluency and pronunciation, which are the ability to say words correctly and connect them in a way that listeners can understand them. Other English speaking skills are vocabulary and grammar, which involve being able to choose the right words to express an idea and put them in sentences that make sense.
Learning English speaking skills helps you speak the language in a way that other people can understand. When you speak fluently, you connect words together in phrases that add depth to what you’re trying to say. Being able to choose the right words, pronounce them correctly, and put them in the right order helps you express your ideas in a way that listeners can understand. This also can boost your confidence so you’re willing to continue practicing the language.
Online courses can introduce you to techniques that can improve your English speaking skills. You may choose courses that emphasize conversational English skills used when you meet new people, order food in a restaurant, or go shopping. Alternatively, you might select a course that explores the words and topics commonly used in business settings. Other options are courses that explain how to pronounce words or target specific vocabulary.
Learning English speaking skills may be a practical decision if you want to live in the United States, work for a multinational company, or work in an industry that uses English as its official language. Countries that use English as an official language include Belize, Botswana, Guyana, India, and Zimbabwe. You’ll also find English as the common language in maritime and aviation professions.