Keeping your speaking up to par with your listening

[WoAiJolinTsai]

How do you improve your speaking? Is it just more and more practice? I've reached a point where I understand almost everything said around me, but then when I want to respond, the words just don't come out or it takes me forever to formulate a response.

You think I should just carry a notebook around with me and everytime I try to say something, but can't, I write it down and look it up later?

[heifeng]

You think I should just carry a notebook around with me and everytime I try to say something, but can't, I write it down and look it up later?

sure! why not! I even have a notebook for the randam vocab I learn on QQ and on soap operas!

I think you need to memorize some phrases, and mimic speakers around you and use what you are hearing. Even if you understand it, being able to use the vocab is another issue. I know I run into the same issue when it comes to chengyu and those many little things that can take your speaking up a notch.

Also don't be to shy to ask a native speaker how you would say something and have it native sounding. Often people 'get' what you are saying so they don't correct you, but don't accept this! Once I get onto my friends cases they will finally give me some feedback...."oh we don't say it that way, we say it this way......" otherwise you run the risk of saying something wrong every single time! (which i think must be a conspiracy since Chinese people really like to believe foreigners can't learn their tricky little pictograph multi-dialect language....oh ok enough sarcasm for now...)

Anyway, think how a little kid thinks, copy others until you get it right, and don't be afraid of getting it wrong! good luck!

sorry too much practicing essay writing lately, I think it's turning me into a motivational speaker....