You're at a party and English words are rolling off your tongue. You've got lots to say and everyone wants to talk to you. As great as this may sound, it's not what usually happens. A more likely scenario is that you don't utter a word because you're afraid to speak. If you want to build up your confidence, you need to practise English outside the classroom, says Monomita Nag-Chowdhury, senior teacher and summer school manager at the British Council. Only by speaking in different situations and seeing how others react can you develop your language skills and overcome your fear. Speaking at parties, on the phone and in other social situations is a fun way to practise. You don't have to worry about being corrected by your teacher and you can talk about whatever you like. Here are a few tips to get you started. Introductions Introducing one person to another is scary when you're not speaking your native language. The trick is to 'keep it simple and use the simple present tense', says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Start with the person's name and then give some information about them, such as where they live or what their hobbies are. Try something like: 'Sally, this is Linda. Linda is a great tennis player.' The most important thing is to relax so that you don't come across as rude, says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Parties If you're throwing a party, try to make everyone feel comfortable. Greet guests as they arrive and introduce them to others at the party. 'Try to introduce people with common interests,' suggests Ms Nag-Chowdhury. 'This will give them something to talk about.' Try something like this: 'Let me introduce you to Jill. She's also interested in computers.' But what if the 'party bore' monopolises your time? Use it as an opportunity to practise listening and speaking. 'Find out if the person has any opinions,' says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Simply ask: 'What do you think about ...?' You can also involve others in the conversation so you get a chance to introduce people and summarise what's been said, says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Try something like: 'Alice, this is Frank. We're talking about the Star Wars film. What did you think of it?' Phone calls If the person on the other end of the phone is a native English speaker, don't panic. If you're making a call, explain who you are and why you're calling. For example, 'This is Mary. I'd like to speak with Alice, please'. Remember that on the phone your only communication tool is your voice, so 'it's important to speak clearly', says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. If you're on the receiving end, offer to take a message. Say something like: 'Sorry, but my sister can't come to the phone. Would you like to leave a message? Could you give me your name and phone number, please?' Listen carefully and 'don't be afraid to ask the person to slow down or repeat something', says Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Simply ask: 'I'm sorry, could you repeat that please?' Speaking English might make you nervous at first. But the more you practise, the more confident you'll become. Start by chatting with your friends. 'Talk about current affairs, the latest films or your hobbies,' suggests Ms Nag-Chowdhury. Or join a speaking club where you'll have lots of opportunities to speak in different situations. Remember: practice make perfect! For information on The British Council's Summer Speaking Club or Bridging course, call 2913 5100, e-mail: enquiries@britishcouncil.org.hk or visit www.britishcouncil.org.hk/summer