#315: Think in English and Speak Faster in Conversations (How to Stop Translating in Your Head)

Jul 24, 2024 | English Confidence and Fluency, How To Develop Skills

Imagine you and I having a conversation. Perhaps you’re joining me in one of my classes, and you’re the first student to arrive in my online classroom. 

And then I ask you: What did you do over the weekend?

It’s a simple question, right? 

But, you quickly think of an answer in your native language, then you struggle to translate your thoughts into English, and by the time you’re ready to speak, another student has joined and the conversation has already moved on.

Super frustrating!

As you and I both know, this process of translating from your native language to English is time-consuming. It slows you down and inhibits fluency. 

To top it off, it also leads to missed opportunities to connect with others and express your true thoughts. 

So, what if you could skip the translating step altogether and respond instantly? To begin thinking in English and confidently participating in English conversations? 

This means saving time in translating and building your automaticity in English.

If you’re one of my Fluency School graduates or a member of my Confident Women Community, then you know exactly what automaticity means. 

It’s the ability to do something quickly, without effort. In other words, automatically, including the ability to say what you want in Engish. 

It means you express your thoughts as they occur to you in real-time – in English!

    That’s not just possible; it’s exactly what I’ll show you how to achieve today.

    WATCH THE LESSON

    Think in English and Speak Faster in Conversations | How to Stop Translating

    Strategy #1: Start Small

    To begin thinking in English, take notice of the objects around you. Like the room you’re in right now. Take a moment to look around.

    Naming the objects around you as you move through your environment helps you recall the vocabulary you know and identify any words missing from your vocabulary. Each time you’re in a new room or place, take a brief moment to perform this quick activity. If you don’t know the word for a particular object, make a note on your phone, in a notebook, or mentally to learn it later.

    Additionally, consider labeling objects in your home to help you remember words for colors, shapes, textures, sizes, etc.

    Strategy #2: Build Word Pictures

    Begin building your world through word pictures—a graphic or vivid description using words.

    Connect the objects to details or actions. Describing objects in detail reinforces your learning, visualizes actions or events, and helps you start thinking about ways to provide clear descriptions in English. 

    For example, imagine you identify a box of tissues. Now, you might build a word picture by listing related words like

    • Rectangular
    • Blue
    • Cardboard
    • Empty
    • Cold
    • Sick
    • Sneeze
    • Reach
    • Blow 
    • Throw away
    • Restock
    • Flu season

    Similar to creating a mind map, all of these words relate to the object while also allowing you to expand the associations to other words you know. 

    Strategy #3: Connect to the First Encounter

    Remember the specific context or situation when you first hear a new word or phrase. 

    This connection makes it easier to recall the word later. 

    For instance, if you learned the word ‘savvy’ during a conversation at work, remember that it was used in the breakroom in a discussion about a colleague learning a new tech system.

    Strategy #4: Complete Your Thoughts

    Transition into describing objects and actions in complete sentences. 

    Start with simple structures, like using “I see…” 

    As you grow more comfortable, describe events or actions out loud. Consider turning off the sound while watching a familiar TV show and describing the events as they unfold. 

    Alternatively, you can regularly record yourself discussing your day or thoughts, and review the recordings to identify areas where you feel stuck.

    Then, take some time to think about what you’d like to say and try it again. 

    If you’re uncertain about the idea of recording yourself in English, I want you to do one thing: after you watch this lesson, hop over to get my free English fluency training called How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English. It will help you. It is THE answer to an efficient, effective method to get speaking practice to build confidence and fluency.

    Strategy #5: Dig Deeper & Apply

    Once you’re comfortable with basic expressions, focus on understanding when and how phrases are appropriately used. 

    For example, if you learn the phrase ‘to be in over one’s head,’ imagine using it during a coffee meet-up when discussing work challenges. 

    This helps your brain think of other phrases that could fit similar situations.

    Strategy #6: Immerse Yourself

    Dive headfirst into the English-speaking world. 

    Watch English-language media, read in English, and switch your device settings to English. Encourage friends and coworkers to speak with you in English to strengthen this immersion.

    Strategy #7: Dive Deep & Discuss

    Engage deeply with topics that interest you by discussing them with others. 

    This can be through professional discussions, book clubs, or online English conversation communities like our Confident Women Community. 

    Find a group setting where you feel safe to practice your skills and express your thoughts.

    Common Questions:

    How do I know if I’m making progress? 

    You’ll know you’re making progress when you can express your thoughts with fewer pauses and hesitation.

    Your sentences will likely shift to more complex structures and you’ll feel comfortable understanding conversations in detail. 

    Why is this transition taking so long?

    Learning a new language is like training a muscle. It takes time, mental effort, and *consistent* practice to develop this skill over time.

    I still get stuck and translate. What am I doing wrong? 

    When you get stuck, observe it as a learning opportunity. Try to identify the word or concept that is difficult for you to clearly express in English. Aim to find another way to express it such as a synonym or a definition.

    To finish this lesson on how to think in English, remember: like any significant change, this transformation takes time, practice, and perseverance. 

    Start small with the strategies we’ve discussed, and be patient with yourself as you progress. 

    Every day, you’ll move closer to thinking in English fluently and effortlessly. Don’t forget to celebrate your small victories along the way—they are signs of your growing mastery.

    I’d love to hear about your experiences and any strategies that have worked for you.

    1. Tell me, which of the tips or strategies from today’s lesson did you find useful?
    2. What step will you take today toward thinking in English?

    All my best,

    ~ Annemarie

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