How to start learning spoken English with zero foundation?

In the era of globalization, English, as an international lingua franca, is increasingly sought after by more and more people to master it in order to communicate more freely in work, travel, and social settings. If you are a beginner in English learning, facing the challenge of zero foundation, how to effectively start learning English speaking is a key issue.

1、 Understand learning objectives: Set clear learning goals

It is very important to clarify your learning goals before starting to study. Setting clear goals can help you maintain motivation and develop a reasonable study plan. Here are some possible goals:

Daily communication
If your goal is to be able to engage in simple daily conversations, such as shopping, ordering food, or asking for directions, then you can focus on learning common phrases and vocabulary.
Job requirements
If you need to use English in your work, you may need to pay attention to business English vocabulary, formal expressions, and meeting and negotiation skills.
Social interaction
If you want to communicate freely with foreign friends, in addition to daily language, you can also learn some interesting expressions and slang.

2、 Establishing the Foundation: Starting from the Most Basic

Learn basic pronunciation
Pronunciation is the foundation of oral language learning. Zero foundation learners can start with the most basic pronunciation exercises. Learn the pronunciation of English letters, understand the pronunciation rules of vowels and consonants, and master the pronunciation of common words. You can use pronunciation practice applications or follow pronunciation videos for practice.
Learn common vocabulary and phrases
Learning some commonly used English words and phrases in daily life is a key step for beginners. For example, learning how to greet, introduce oneself, and ask for basic information in English. You can use vocabulary lists, flashcards, or vocabulary learning apps to help with memory retention.
Master basic sentence patterns and grammar
In the early stages of learning spoken language, it is also very important to understand some basic sentence patterns and grammar rules. For example, learning how to construct simple declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, and imperative sentences. This helps you form clear expression in communication.

3、 Accumulate listening input: improve oral ability through listening

Listen to English radio and podcasts
Listening to English radio, podcasts, or English news is an effective way to improve listening and speaking skills. Choose materials that suit your level, such as children’s stories or slow English broadcasts, and gradually adapt to the pace and pronunciation of English. Remember to pay attention to imitating pronunciation and intonation while listening.
Watch English videos and movies
Watching English videos and movies not only helps you improve your listening skills, but also allows you to understand different ways of oral expression and cultural backgrounds. Choose materials with English subtitles to help you better understand the content and imitate the dialogue.
Utilize listening practice tools
Use specialized listening practice tools or applications such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone for listening training. These tools typically provide listening exercises of various difficulty levels and can track your learning progress.

4、 Actively practice speaking: speak more and practice more

Practice self dialogue
Self dialogue is an effective way to improve spoken English. You can set a topic, such as a day’s plan, your favorite food, etc., and then try to give an impromptu speech in English for 2-3 minutes. Record and listen back to your own speech, identify and correct any mistakes.
Find a language partner for conversation practice
Find an English learning partner or native English speaking friend for conversation practice. By communicating with others, you can practice practical conversation skills, receive immediate feedback, and increase confidence. You can use language exchange platforms such as “HelloTalk” or “Tandem” to find suitable language partners.
Participate in English corner and speaking club
Participating in English corners, speaking clubs, or online discussion groups is also a good way to improve spoken English. These activities provide an opportunity to practice English speaking and can help you get to know other English learners, learn from each other, and motivate each other.

5、 Using auxiliary tools and resources: leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes

Language learning application
Many applications are specifically designed for English learners, providing rich oral practice and pronunciation correction functions. For example, “iTalki” provides opportunities for one-on-one oral practice with foreign teachers, while “Memrise” offers a wealth of vocabulary and sentence structure exercises.
Online learning platform
Online learning platforms such as “Coursera” or “edX” offer a variety of English speaking courses, allowing students to choose the appropriate course according to their needs for learning. The courses on these platforms are usually taught by professional teachers and provide abundant learning resources.
Recording and playback tools
Using recording tools to record one’s own pronunciation and comparing it with standard pronunciation is an effective way to improve spoken English. You can use the recording function of your mobile phone or computer to regularly record your oral practice, and listen back and self correct.

6、 Developing a Learning Plan: Systematic Learning Method

Set short-term and long-term goals
Develop a detailed study plan that includes both short-term and long-term goals. The short-term goal can be to learn a certain amount of vocabulary and phrases every day, while the long-term goal can be to be able to engage in some type of conversation fluently. Develop corresponding learning plans and schedules based on goals.
Regularly evaluate and adjust learning plans
Regularly evaluate your learning progress and check if you have achieved the set goals. If you find that certain methods are not suitable for you, you can make adjustments. Maintain flexibility and adjust learning content and methods according to actual situations to ensure maximum learning effectiveness.
Maintain learning records
Record your learning process, including the vocabulary, sentence patterns, problems encountered, and progress made. By keeping records, you can have a clearer understanding of your learning progress, identify shortcomings, and make improvements.

7、 Practical advice and tips: tips to improve learning outcomes

Take advantage of opportunities in daily life to practice English
In daily life, try to make use of any opportunity to practice English. For example, when shopping in a supermarket, you can inquire about the location of products in English or try to discuss a topic with friends in English.
Maintain a positive learning attitude
Learning spoken English is a long-term process, and maintaining a positive attitude towards learning is crucial. Don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks, believe that your efforts will bring rewards.
Participate in English speaking courses
If conditions permit, one can participate in professional English speaking courses. Many language schools and educational institutions offer oral courses for beginners, which can provide systematic teaching and guidance.

Learning spoken English from scratch may be challenging, but by setting clear goals, establishing a foundation, accumulating listening input, actively practicing speaking, utilizing auxiliary tools, developing study plans, and implementing practical suggestions, you can gradually improve your English speaking skills. The process of learning spoken English requires patience and persistence, but as long as you keep working hard, you will eventually be able to confidently communicate fluently in English. No matter what your learning goals are, maintaining a positive learning attitude and systematic learning methods will help you achieve your dream of fluent English speaking.