I think nerves are a big part of it for some people. I get very self-conscious when speaking a language other than English (especially if it's with a native speaker), and I end up making very silly mistakes that make me even more self-conscious! Even in my native language, I think I sound better when I'm writing versus when I'm speaking. Regular speaking practice definitely helped me in the past.
Yes, it's true. We aren't successful in language learning until we are able to speak in our target language. Speaking is an active and oral (natural) skill. In order to help improve our speaking skill we need more reading to develop our thinking in the target language. Reading is easier than listening comprehension because the written form is visual and gives us more time to learn many aspects in terms of language and viewpoints. The more we read, the more vocabulary words we get. That will make us able to describe everything that comes into our mind in words (of our target language). Words are not alive unless they are voiced aloud. The habit of vocabulary learning by constant description of things we think and perceive can prepare ourself for conversation which is a process of speaking and listening. Face to face conversation is easier compared to phone conversation or voice chat which lacks of body language and physical cues.
I agree with you. I think speaking is the most important skill in English. As usual, if you want to master a particular ability you have to work hard in order to become an expert in that field. I'd say two thinks are necessary to improve your speaking: first of all you need practice, even if you are not so good with grammer you should speak as much as possible (also on your own). Second you need to extend your vocabulary if you want to increase your speaking ability, and I think that the best way to do that is reading as much as you can (books in particular, but also papers, articles,...).
Serious teachers already know about the convenience of songs as teaching methods.
Here is a teacher with a "new" idea.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFpzeGoP-Kg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFpzeGoP-Kg</a>;
The same teaching method that I have used for years, now is being "discovered".
You have made the mistake of not incorporating songs into your study materials.
My Notebook Entries contain many songs that are convenient for practicing English "conversation".
Songs are a one-sided conversation.
