How high school students can improve their conversation skills

When you’re in high school, having good conversation skills is important. What good is your bright idea if you’re not able to express it? What good are your nights of reviewing if you’re too shy to recite in class? Having good conversation skills will help you express yourself better and make you more confident, says AHEAD Tutorial & Review Center tutor Tine Tria. Because of that, you’ll be more active in classroom discussions and get higher grades.

If you often struggle to describe your ideas, can’t find the best words to use, or always hesitate to share what’s on your mind, AHEAD Tutorial & Review Center tutors share some tips on how to improve your conversation skills.

Always practice. A basketball player needs to regularly practice to be better at the sport. The same thing goes for you: put your conversation skills to work and help build your confidence. Take time to engage someone in a conversation. After class, tell your teacher how much you enjoyed the lesson. During break times, talk to your classmates about the book you are currently reading. Practicing will not only improve your conversation skills, it will also contribute to your information bank as you exchange insights with your peers.

Develop your vocabulary. Read, read, read! When you come across unfamiliar words, look them up in the dictionary. Try to use them in your conversations as often as possible. It may sound a little forced at first, but as you grow familiar with the new words, you will be more comfortable using them.

Be precise. The more words you know, the more accurately you can convey your thoughts and ideas. Don’t just tell your literature teacher you like how Victor Hugo wrote Les Miserables; tell him exactly how vivid and real the characters seem to you. Recreate the picture you have in your mind through words.

Learn how to listen. Listening is as important as talking. Listening doesn’t just mean hearing what others have to say. Listening means understanding what they are trying to say. Listening is also one way of showing respect.

Take note of how you speak. Even if your idea is interesting, it will seem dull if you sound boring. Liven up your voice. Vary your pitch if you want to emphasize an idea. Change your tone if you’re shifting emotions. Also, don’t speak too fast. Speak slow and clear.

Be confident. Whether you are reciting or just making a suggestion, make sure to show that you know what you are talking about. Even if you are not sure, be confident just the same.

A tutor can help you establish good study habits. For more information on one-on-one tutorials, e-mail info@ahead.edu.ph or click here.