Binary Kite: Photo: SynotopiaWhen we begin learning foreign languages, it is very easy to get the impression that languages are made up of two elements:

1. words; and
2. rules for putting the words together, i.e. grammar.

Oscar Peterson - Chops!In jazz, a person's technical ability to get around their instrument (say, their piano) is called "chops". "Chops" is also English slang for "jaws" or "lips". This is a useful ambiguity, because when you are learning a language, it can be helpful to think in terms of training your "chops" (your mouth) the same way musicians trains their "chops" (technical skill) for playing their instrument.

The first time I went to the photo developer in Japan, I had no idea what to say. Five years of Japanese study in New Zealand and never once had I studied 'developing your film'. Sure I had done 'asking for directions' and 'at a restaurant' a million times, but how do you ask a film guy to print your pictures? If only I had written a dialogue and run it past my Japanese teacher!

Many people think that to be fluent in English they must speak fast. That is not true. With some easy techniques any speaker can seem more fluent and speak better. Instead of speeding up, slow down. It sounds crazy, but if you do these five things your English will improve immediately. You will communicate better and speak more smoothly. The trick is to buy time to think.