Communicate in English the Simple Way

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When we speak in our first language or mother tongue, do we speak in full sentences? No, isn't it? Same goes when we speak in English. Even though at school our English teachers always insisted that we should build our sentences properly with correct grammar and so on, that actually applies for either essay writing or formal type of verbal communication such as a speech or a presentation. I understand well that most of us are having the trauma after being scolded by our teachers for not writing complete sentences when answering our reading comprehension exercises (eg. we shouldn't start our answer with "Because...")

TIPS NO. 1

Please study the situations below:

Do you speak this way in Bahasa Melayu?

A: Hai...Nama saya Ahmad. Siapa nama awak?
B: Nama saya Ali.

Or this way?

A: Hai...Saya Ahmad. Awak?
B: Ali.

I believe that your answer is the second way, isn't it? That is also how you should speak in English.

A: Hi...I'm Ahmad. You are...?
B: Ali.

You don't have to speak like this;

A: Hi...My name is Ahmad. What is your name?
B: My name is Ali.

It sounds really weird and stiff!

TIPS NO. 2

Use body language, facial expressions and hand gestures to help convey your message. When people ask you something in English, don't get nervous and don't rush to answer. If the answer is "yes" you may just nod your head, and if the answer is "no" just shake your head. Never answer in your mother tongue...okay.

TIPS NO. 3

Instead of saying "no", please try to use "I don't think so".

A: Going to the party tonight?
 B: I don't think so.

TIPS NO.4

When you are asked to describe something factual such as a chemical process, just go straight to the point. Only say the necessary things and forget about the "mukaddimah", "huraian panjang lebar" or whatsoever because it will only confuse you and makes you give up for not having enough vocabulary.

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