We’re sure you’ve heard the expression “practice makes perfect,” but we wanted to remind you that it also applies to your work towards perfecting your English vocabulary. In particular, we want to encourage you to find opportunities to practice using your English vocabulary in public. We’re not referring to formal presentations (though if you want some tips on that, read this), but rather to taking the opportunity to have conversations with a wide range of people, giving you the chance to practice all of the different vocabulary words you’ve been learning. Since it’s not likely that you’ll find a good way to incorporate all of your new words (like inexorable and hyperbole and utilitarian) in the same conversation, it’s a good idea to find a variety of groups with whom you can talk and interact.

Book groups are excellent places to practice your conversation. In addition, they give you the motivation to read more, and perhaps to read things you wouldn’t have thought of reading on your own. There are book groups that focus on fiction, while others read only non-fiction, and many that switch between genres. Not only will you be learning even more new vocabulary through your reading, you’ll have an immediate opportunity to use those words in conversation when you’re discussing the book with the other members of the group.

You don’t have to join a literary society to talk to people, however. Check the community centers and neighborhood association newsletters for information about the groups in your area that match what you’re interested in. For example, if you like the outdoors, join a hiking club, and (if you have enough breath to spare) chat with the other hikers on the trail. Gardening clubs, watercolor societies, volunteer organizations who read to children on the weekends – there are groups to fit any hobby. If English is your second language, look for bilingual groups, or for university- or community-based open classes that focus on English conversation.

Because these groups are more informal, they’ll help you get over any fears you might have about public speaking, and you’ll gain confidence in your ability to speak well with and in front of others, especially people you don’t know well. Look for opportunities to use your English vocabulary, and soon you’ll be a polished and professional speaker.