"Everybody hates their voice" 

- "What I really encourage you to do, no matter how much you hate your voice, is to make that recording."

In my experience, it REALLY helps. I used to feel uncomfortable to hear my voice but I kept making recordings. A few weeks later it sounded OK to me and even started to enjoy it.

It is just matter of time and habit.

@Aegis, of course this does not apply to  learners capable of doing self-study.

However, most students create a bond with their teacher and start to identify  language learning, with lesson time.

I am not saying I agree. 

As a tutor, it's unpleasant to have so much responsability placed on  my back.

As a language student, I have many things I like to do anyway.

Besides, language learning should be something we do with pleasure whenever we  have the time.

But the truth is, not everyone is as dedicated a language learner as you are.

Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a comment. :-)

Hi, I'm new on Itaky, an English apprentice.

I like the article and take note of usefull tips: the importance of spontaneous speech, about don't lose our horizon and keep learn by ourself, record and lisent our own voice and make a mental image of a situation and over all, search for constructive feedback.

I know the importance of practice with a native speaker, that is why I am here, that practice is crucial,  but is very important practice in many ways that we can alone. How Ms. Elfin wrote:

"Speaking is often the reason why we study a language to start with. It's a complex and tricky skill as it sums up our linguistic capacities, our pronunciation, and our comfort level with using the language"

For that reason I don't worry yet for "the right form of say" because we are not leanirng one English, there are many ways of speak it, depens of the region, urban tribe or purpose, I think for the beginner like me is very important is the quality of what I am saying, this text that I wrote was the opportunity for that.

Thanks for the tips, they will help me a lot.

Hi Crow, thanks for your comments !

About the describe the picture exercise, of course we are all different and it is not for everyone.

However, it's a useful skill.

I think you are right, when you are an independent learner, it's important not to acquire mistakes that can become ingrained.

That's why getting feedback, from language partners, or on forums, is so important. It's so much harder to get rid of some mistake, that we have become accustomed to.

Many are shy and  find it hard to go on Facebook groups/ Italki/language groups and ask for feedback, but  other learners, know what we are going through and  happy to help.

So my suggestion is to always doublecheck with  a native who is learning your language, for instance.

Hope this helps !