Writing | Issues and Challenges

As an English learner for more than ten years, I've found it surprisingly difficult to proactively participate in a business discussion with foreigners, especially those with strong accent.

I got the hang of English listening and reading quite easily, which came as a big surprise. However it's taken me a while to understand the strategies of speaking in English. I've considered engaging in a speaking training group full of language learners from different places. And finally I've managed to push myself forward in the speaking practice one and a half years ago by taking the ielts examination, which wasn't as easy as I'd imagined.

I didn't think of it then, but what I should have done was practice oral English with my colleagues or friends during our break time. I don't know if it's going to be any better, but next time I might just go ahead and initiate an English conversation with someone who's got the knowledge. So, one thing I need to do is reassess how I approach people with more experience than me and with willingness to help me, so I can improve my communication skills in English happily.