Follow the Dream 療法士の夢

My English skills improved greatly in last fall when just entered the 5th year since I came to US.  It makes me feel better in control of English skills, especially speaking and writing. 

This sense that I can take control of applying English to my daily life was the first since I started learning it. 

There were two factors to facilitate my language skills at that time - one was preparing and taking four oral interviews to get a job; the other listening to the CDs of Cognitive-Behavioral psychotherapy with pleasure.   

In the interviews, I was reuiqred to speak about my history, therapeutic techniques, ideas, contributions, coping skills to the interviewers, in which it was necessary to convince them that I am capable of becoming a rehabilitation/music therapist at that hospital.

I thought many times during the interview, "Why do I explain the details about me having capacity?  I sent my resume, please read it carefully!"

This is inappropriate, especially in the US.  Talking to convince people is more important than showing written documents, which is extreamely different from in Japan. 

In my 4th interview, I was getting to used to speak to interviewers about myself and my knowledge.  It was best among four interviews. 

Another big factor to improve my English skills was that I listened to the lecture CDs of Rational Living Therapy to obtain a Level Three certificate.  Dr. Pacci speaks through 13 CDs as communicating with attendees, which provided me with some ideas.  His way of speaking is fluent like flow of water based on his loving characteristics.  I really enjoyed listening to them.   

I remember that I felt at ease during listening to his lecture and thought, "Oh, I can speak English like this way.  Speaking English is not difficult and tough!  It is OK with me to speak with relax." 

A good example of speaking can give you an idea how to speak naturally and get rid of tense unnecessary for speaking. 

Consequently, I reached simply answers to improve the English skills that people know commonly that,

1)  To speak, explain, or try to convince audience in English. 

- We can do in joining a Toastmasters Club which is a public speech group around the world (over 80 countries) or a debate class. 

2)  To listen to English CDs or radio programs or movies you like.  Conversational one is best, I think. 

I think my way of improving the English skills is slower than others.  However, I have improved to communicate with English speakers year by year.  Never give up!  Please use all your sense with pleasure while learning language.  

English is not study.  It is a communication tool.  Why do you speak Japanese?  Because you want to commuicate with people in Japan to live!  English is the same.  We want to communicate with people in the world.