Photo: Denim (@Unsplash)
When I became acquainted with John, he was gleefully gesticulating his stories in China through an online learning platform. Over 10,000 audience had been patiently waiting for his insights. However, he took our breath away by employing cogent and authentic Chinese with ease. A plethora of colloquial idioms were bombing. The answers were inspiring as well. His astounding ability to use Chinese justify his opinion that any skill can be learned through effective plans with clear goals. Involuntarily, I was drawn to his magic transformation and transition between languages.
As I later know, he was once a popular lecturer in New Oriental English, illuminating thousands of students on the right method of learning English. A year ago, he suddenly decided to explore the world with his family, but on his way to Europe, a quick idea struck and he initiated Morning Reading Club and pushed his trial run without recordings inside. It was an embarrassing start, but with patience and practice, he started his Odyssey in helping more Chinese students to get rid of deep-rooted psychological and mental shackles. Every morning, he would publish a selected reading passage for us to practice, ranging from poetry to literature.
To our surprise, his techniques are nothing extraordinary.
1. Listen to the passage without reading;
2. Read aloud while imitating the original recording;
3. Read aloud without listening;
4. Repeat the above steps two to three times.
In his creative combo, he highlighted imitation, reading aloud and communication as the overriding methods in honing one’s speaking ability.
He also shared several major principles in learning English.
1. Voluntary participation speaks louder than passive delivery.
For instance, reading aloud every material you have at hand is definitely more empowering. It forces you to concentrate on the passage and every nuance in case you overlook when skimming.
2. One can only be better at what he does.
Through his career, it is enlightening for him to encounter those students who are proficient in listening and reading rather than speaking and writing. It is with reason to say that our proficiency in any skill is highly relevant with the time and efforts we have put into.
4. New connections can be created by proactively maneuvering multiple dimensions.
For instance, words are the stumbling blocks for almost every Chinese student. However, there are endless vocabulary books dictating the wrong track. It is wise to use all your senses in memorizing words. Master its pronunciation, expand its synonyms and antonyms, create a new sentence are the fundamental skills to broaden its horizon.
In his final remarks, he concluded with a magnificent proposal in that everyone can use English as long as he plans and perseveres with time.
Inspiring as it is, I took several hours in recollecting my past, re-evaluating my present and recharging my future with a formidable plan.
In reviving my glory, I have formulated several key objectives in 2017, one of which is to follow up with John and participate with those like-minded souls.
Here are my milestones when it comes to June.
From March 1st, I have practiced every week and created 53 pieces of recordings with the corresponding materials occasionally. To be honest, it is far beyond my anticipation at the beginning. Three months has witnessed the evolution of myself. Right now, they are lying on my phone and whenever I start a new one, I would not hesitate to replay the previous ones.
Therefore, it is of essence for one to trace his learning and rejuvenate with fresh minds. Even though I falter, I could seek juice from the inspiring me because awkwardness is the most common state when one decides to learn a new skill.
As I review my achievements, I have found a few interesting examples.
The first recording is about the anecdotes of letters to Mr. Obama when he was still in office. The letters were the epitomes of the mundane lives of Americans, which were selected in the White House mailroom and handed to President Obama for further exchanges. The nation seemed to be alive in the piles of envelopes. Stories are amazing, but my recording was like a toddler who was incognizant ofhis clumsiness. At least, I knew my place instantly and deliberately tackled my weaknesses in pronunciation.
One of my most endearing moments came when I first tried to rehearse the classic passage in Pride and Prejudice. Imitation worked the magic. As I carefully imitated the characteristic sounds and expressions, I was thrown into the show, as if I was the only director and the cast was at the mercy of myself. The opening passage could ring a bell and amaze you afterwards.
During my morning journey, I luckily discover a brand-new world where all the excellent materials are eager to knock my door and present themselves before the king. Classics, novels, poems, chicken soup and skills are there to stay. Even the most popular anonymous poemTime Zone of Life.
AsI keep the prime principles in mind, I have also disciplined myself in waking up at 6:00. The delight and encouragement from different envoys genuinely give me a purpose. In addition, I have made up my mind to see my NBA basketball idols in person when they will be awardedNational Basketball Hall of Fame in four years. The promises are my foundation of joy and purpose. As to where it leads, time will tell in the end.
They are the bits of thoughts that I would like to share with you. Indeed, writing is both delighting and excruciating, but I am convinced that once you have make your decision, the better road to is carry on.
What you say matters. And it is never too late to make it better with your action.
Hope you are all inspired~
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