A number of studies have consistently demonstrated that those who have an advanced knowledge of the English language are much more likely to advance their careers. In addition to this, these studies have also demonstrated that a strong command of the English language will lead to higher paying jobs, more social mobility, and a great deal of social success.

No matter what career you choose, whether it is Engineering or History, having a powerful command of the English language will greatly increase your odds of success. Generally, your vocabulary will need to be equal to those who are in the same career field.

However, if you want to surpass your colleagues, and make yourself more marketable, you will need to increase you English skills, and make them superior to the other people who work in your field. While you may not realize it, people will judge you by the way you speak.

Barriers that you will need to Overcome

Most of us are familiar with how people feel about appearances, but the manner in which you speak is also important. Even if you are dressed nicely, using poor grammar will show that you are wolf in sheep’s clothing. You might look nice on the outside, but you’re not so nice on the inside. To succeed, you must focus on your appearance as well as your manner of speaking.

Most people underestimate the importance of mastering English. This is especially true for people who live in English speaking countries such as the United States or Great Britain. Because they are raised speaking the language, they don’t feel that it is all that important. They think they can get by on the basic language classes they took in school while they were children.

However, only having a basic knowledge of English will not open career doors. If you speak only an average level of English, people will think you’re average. If you speak in a manner that is eloquent, this will create a powerful impression.

The first barrier you will need to overcome is the belief that Basic English is enough. When I say Basic English, I’m referring to the English that most Americans speak on a daily basis. While the English language is comprised of about 700,000 words, the typical American only uses 50,000 in their day to day conversations. Most educated people who have earned a degree in college, or who read lots of books, will have a vocabulary that is closer to 100,000, twice the amount of the average American. These people are much more likely to land high paying jobs. To be successful, it must be your goal to learn 100,000 words or more.

Many people have a poor command of the English language because they don’t read. I always laugh when I hear people say that they hate to read. These people don’t realize that they are destroying their chances of being economically successful. Not only does reading allow you to build up your vocabulary, but it also allows you to become more informed, learning things about the world around you.

As I’ve said in previous articles, reading can increase your IQ. Watching television cannot do this, and some would even argue that it does the opposite. The first step in speaking English properly is to learn more words.

Take Classes, and Read More

When you learn a new word, you should take the time to use it in a sentence. Use it when you speak to people. By using the word in your everyday speech and writing, the word will be saved in your long term memory. Studies have shown that you will need to repeat the word at least seven times before it "sticks".

In addition to learning new words, you will want to read everything you can get your hands on. Read fiction as well as non-fiction. Read things you normally wouldn’t read. This will allow you to learn new words that you normally wouldn’t be exposed. Increasing your English skills can become very lucrative.

Despite the fact that English is often referred to as being a global language, most people will never learn even 35% of the words that comprise the language. However, learning as much as you can will allow you to stand out from the crowd, and it will open up opportunities that will be closed to others.

Conclusion

When you increase your vocabulary, you will impress people. Depending on who you impress, a number of doors can open, doors that would be closed to someone who uses a normal vocabulary level. People will see you as being someone with intelligence, and it will be obvious that you are also a person that is well informed.