Students must be willing to improve their speaking skills to the point they can make everyday conversations. In order to realize that, practicing a lot is the only way to reach the goal. The more mistakes you make, the more you improve.

It is a good idea that each student has a notebook to record any new words or interesting phrases. When watching a DVD (without Japanese subtitles, preferably), listening to an NHK radio program, reviewing a class lecture or attending a Chit Chat Club (CCC) or English Forum (EF) session, you should write down any words or phrases you find appealing. Then, in the next CCC/EF session or in class, you could try to use one. That would give you a good opportunity to actually practice these words and expressions. If the interlocutor’s response seems vague about what you said, you might have misused it, so try it on another occasion.

During CCC, EF sessions or class, it is better to write down new phrases that others use in particular circumstances. You may imitate and use that phrase in your own time.

It takes time to improve English skills tangibly. For the first several attempts of new words/phrases, students may feel disappointed with their own inability. However, it is essential for them to keep attending the CCC/EF sessions. “The more mistakes you make, the more you improve.”