Conversation in English?

[kalikalikali]

Hi Guys,
I'm an Italian 43 years old Travel Leader, I work in Sicily (Italy).
I started studying english at school, then I used it for my work, but my level is still the same, I mean it is mediocre. In the last weeks I had the chance to work for a great American Tour Operator, and they said me I'm perfect for their values, however I MUST improve my english if I want to work with them.
Because when I speak english, I'm not sure, and I'm nervous, and I transmit it to who is in front of me, and of course it is unacceptable. So I have time untill november to improve my conversation and my fluency in english.
Do you have any advices?
Is there someone available for conversations via Skype, or Facetime, or Hangout?
Thank you regards, I could teach to someone Italian if you are interested
Regards

[smallwhite]

This thread should not be in the Study Groups subforum.

[rdearman]

So I have time untill november to improve my conversation and my fluency in english.
Do you have any advices?

My advice is to learn some "Islands". This is a reference to a book by Boris Shekhtman who tells us that if you memorise some of what he calls islands which are topics which you've memorised and can reel off without failure and even thinking about them. If you can memorise and practice these islands you can switch to them and you appear more confident in the language. For you I might suggest some of the topics you'd have to do as a tour guide.

Shekhtman suggested islands like:

• About myself
• My Family
• My Work
• My Hobbies
• My Favourite Book
• My Favourite Film
• My Favourite Songs
  === Non-Personal ===
• EU and Brexit
• Italian Food
• Changes to geography in the local area

You might also want to learn some "filler words and phrases" which you know off the top of your head, but will get you time to think without the listener being aware. Things like:

• Hummm... Let me think for a second.
• It seems pretty clear to me that ...
• From my point of view, it seems that ...

[whywhathow_xyz]

Hey kalikalikali,

If you want to improve your speaking you need to practise your speaking.

Go and check out https://www.italki.com - it's the best resource out there for finding free language exchange partners.

Set up some calls, talk LOTS and make some new friends!

Good luck!