Many people passed their Master degree in English literature but were not able getting jobs in the foreign countries. Why is it? The reason for this is that although they have done masters in English, if they receive a call for an interview, they are unable to speak English fluently. That is why they are rejected. When anyone comes across their resumes, they expect a lot from their side because of their degree. Unfortunately it is a fact that minority of people in some foreign countries can talk and read English language fluently. It is the elite class or the people representing the middle class who can speak, read and understand English. Majority of people who reside in villages or slums in Asian or African countries have attained very little knowledge about English. Those students who were able to earn their Master in English literature could not get benefit of it just because of their incapability of speaking and reading English easily.

My understanding is that M.A in English Literature is setting high expectations in people reviewing resume for potential job openings. People probably are calling you with hopes that your English will be great because great English speaking abilities are advantageous in a lot of careers in most of the countries abroad. Just imagine recruiters’ disappointment when you open your mouth and their expectations are abruptly shattered. Well, we can turn this scenario around. Remember, it is not your English reading skills that are slowing you down, so reading a newspaper is not the solution; it is imperative to expand your English speaking and reading skills. I wish I could tell people about some magic pill that makes one speak fluent English just like a native English speaker. However there is no such thing. The best way to improve your speaking skills is to speak to someone in English on a regular basis. Any practice is good, whether one speaks to someone who is native English speaker or not. My suggestions are to first build your confidence by using simple English sentence structures which you know are correct. This will let you focus on getting your message across and be able to grow to the point of being able reading something like Freedom by Jonathan Franzen.

Second, do not speak or read too fast. It is important to use a natural rhythm when talking English, but if you speak too fast it will be difficult for people to comprehend your speech. I also read somewhere that call centers make their agents read literature masterpieces such as Freedom Jonathan Franzen and watch episodes of a TV show called “Friends” to assist them in getting an “American Accent”. Hey, it cannot hurt to try. In you pursuit English, just keep in mind, nothing good ever comes easy. If you really want to improve your spoken English, then practice, practice, and practice! The more you do it, the more convinced and fluent you will become so you may eventually comprehend the Oprah Freedom book.