I used to be afraid of swimming.
Come to think of it, maybe I was afraid of water: I also hated bath time.
Anyway, I no longer fear the water – I’ve already taken two showers this year:)
And I love swimming!
So here’s how I overcame my fear…
THE SUMMER OF 1970 SOMETHING
A young Mr. Vig was wading into the family backyard swimming pool with his usual water wings strapped to his arms.
Then some friends came over.
They didn’t need water wings.
Instead, they took turns jumping off the diving board into the deep end.
They were having fun without me!
I didn’t like that.
So I took off my water wings and joined them.
And that is how I conquered my fear.
I jumped into the deep end.
But not right away.
And I definitely needed some motivation in the form of peer pressure.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL?
Yesterday, I asked you if you agree or disagree that jumping into the deep end is a good way to learn to speak.
Polyglot Benny Lewis, who wrote the book Fluent In Three Months, says “Speak from day one.”
But I’m not convinced it’s a good idea for everyone.
Tell me what you think in the comments.
And tomorrow, I’ll give you my recommendation.
Νομίζω ότι για την ομιλία επιβάλλεται από την πρώτη μέρα.Γιατι αν το αφήσεις σε αφήνει κι αυτό.Για την κολύμβηση πιστεύω το αντίθετο γιατί είχα άσχημη εμπειρία θέλοντας να μου μάθουν κολύμπι
I’ve realized that I can overcome my fear of speaking only when the conversation really engages me, whether because of the topic or the person I’m talking to. But this happens to me even in my native language, so I don’t know. I think that in any case, having a truly interesting discussion makes me less inhibited.
Speaking from the very beginning is very good idea. Word by word. That is how we learn our native language.
Maybe it is the best way to learn the language, but I’m afraid of direct conversation. It would be a big challenge. I’m afraid I’m still a beginner.
Well, I think that if you are in a hurry to start to speak, the best way might be jump into the deep end but the problem could be to make mistakes that you never recognized as a mistakes until somebody corrects you or you realize… From the other hand, studing much grammar does not make you to speak fluently. I really think it is a matter of doing a litle bit of everything, keeping on contact eveyday with english, reading, listening and speaking and writing. Everyday!
I’m not sure that method “Speak from day one” is good for everyone. I think you have to known at least basic grammar and vocabulary. Because if you learn yourself speaking fast, but not correctly, nobody can understand to you, just maybe native speakers.
What do you think about that?
Cheers, Peter.
I think reading and the vocabulary are the most important thing to accomplish, And add a listening part and a speaking part. There you have it !
Grammar is essential too and practicing writing .
My opinion is all people that didn’t know to swim they’re afraid of watter as a new environment they cannot menage and not fear to swim movement.
As well as English, although jumping in the deep end is the best way to learn to speak, of course it is not for everyone.
I’m not familiar with this book or its author, and how I wish I knew this method.
At 75, despite practising as often as I can, I haven’t fully achieved it yet.
I manage reasonably well, but I’m not entirely satisfied, in spite of my commitment.
In this case I think more is better, it’s why I would like to go out of my country in the place where people speak English, living with an english (or american) native. American is better, is the language of my heart
It’s difficult for me to answer the question because I started learning English at school a long time ago with the classical methods : grammar, spelling, irregular verbs… by heart.
At the beginning of using the method “ speak from day one” going to the chat room was difficult for me because I was afraid and ashamed of being wrong and ridiculous. Then with the new method “ read, listen, talk, write every day and review every day ” I feel free to speak, my progress is very satisfying and I enjoy speaking English a lot but I still have the ancient method in my passive memory and I think it helps.
Knowing things and understanding how it works is something I like. I love the idea of” speak from day one “ but once you decide to really speak ( well ) classical lessons may help a little bit as well.
In general, when it comes to studying, I don’t accept the idea of ”one size fits all” because it’s a kind of mass solution. Accountable teaching should be flexible so it can satisfy ”sizes S, M, and L.” Tailor-made teaching, though, is the best one, if it is affordable.
Yes, it is always better to learn faster and more with a jump into the deep end instead to wade into the shallow.
About me, I’ve only been with Mr Vig for less than a month. For me it is very funny to refresh and expand my English in that way. i have an old Dog that I have to take care of – who knows how long? That would mean less relax when I’m speaking in the chatroom. Sometime I will jump into the deep end, too.
I think learning any language is a multi-tasking effort, and it never stops. It’s a constant work. We do the same in our native language. New words appear every day. It has to include a little bit of everything: grammar, speaking, plus a good teacher, and inspiring group or environment where it’s possible to practice. I think that a certain pression to come out from the comfort zone is also important. It’s in human nature to learn faster when we need it. That is why I believe that it could be efficient to start speaking from day one and practice every day, although I don’t know how it is feasible. I think this “day one” or “the deep end” means metaphorically that we should start using it immediately. Just jump into to pool without water wings!
I think if I had said every new word out loud from day one it would have been easier for me to start speaking. Saying words out loud also helps me remember them more easily. I’ve noticed that the effect is enhanced if I use a different intonation sometimes.