What's the best way to learn English communication?
- Eleanor- Utter Eloquence
- Jun 15, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: May 21
Explore English learning methods: their pros, cons & English skills they enhance, to help you decide the best one for you to achieve fluent English communication!
Find definitions for all green-highlighted words at the bottom of the page to help expand your vocabulary!
With over 1.35 billion people globally learning English, it’s clear that English is one of the most sought-after skills in the world. The rise in online English learning platforms, resources, and courses shows the growing demand for English as a second language in our Zoom connected world. However, the big question remains: What’s the best way to learn English?
With numerous English learning methods available, ranging from traditional grammar-focused approaches to modern, immersive methods, learners often find themselves overwhelmed by the variety of options. Each method has its unique benefits and limitations, and the approach that works for one person might not be the best for you depending on your English level and personal & professional goals.
In this post, we'll explore and compare the 5 main English learning methods & looking at their effectiveness for communication skills.
Let's dive into the 5 methods below!
Method 1: The Grammar-Translation Method (GTM)
Originating in the 16th Century, the Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) is one of the oldest and most widely used methods in both mainstream children's education & adult English learning courses all over the world.
It focuses on learning English grammar through explicit rules and translating sentences between English and your native language. While GTM is effective in developing reading and comprehension skills, its limitations in fostering English conversational skills are heavily criticised today.
Principles:
Focus on reading and writing rather than speaking or listening.
Grammar is taught deductively, with rules first introduced, followed by practice through written exercises or memorisation.
Translation plays a key role, where learners translate from English to their native language and vice versa.
Follows set curriculums determined by the school or teacher, which is unadaptable to the learner's real-life needs or skills they need to focus on.
How It Works:
Students primarily work on grammar rules and vocabulary, memorising complex sentence structures and translating texts.
The emphasis is on accuracy and understanding of English language structure, rather than fluency.
Some practical exercises in this method include:
Filling in the gaps: students are required to choose from a selection of words, or put their own word into a gap in the sentence.
Using particular words in a sentence: students are presented with new or familiar word and are asked to create sentences that use that word correctly in that context.
Translating texts: students will translate a passage of writing word for word to or from the native language.
Comprehension questions: students will be given a text or sentences and are asked questions to check they understood the meaning of it.
Memorising vocabulary: learning words and their meaning, then identifying it in a text.
Summary writing: students will be given a text and will be asked to explain it in their own words.
Effectiveness:
Pros:
Great for beginners, or those wanting to improve their grammar and reading comprehension
Good for memorising the core structure of English grammar & vocabulary.
Useful for intermediate or advanced learners preparing for written English language exams like IELTS.
Helpful for academics writing & reading in English at high level.
Cons
Not ideal for those looking to focus on English communication & speaking skills.
Doesn't actively promote language acquisition, just technical understanding.
Can be difficult to establish a deeper connection to English language & culture.
Can be boring
If you learnt English like this in school which you likely did- this is why you struggle to communicate, speak & write in English but have excellent understanding of English language!!
Best For: People who want to develop strong reading and writing skills and technical English grammar.
Method 2: The Direct Method
The Direct Method emerged as a response to the limitations of the GTM, focusing instead on immersion and verbal communication.
Students are taught exclusively in English, and translation from the native language is prohibited!
This method emphasises listening and speaking over reading and writing.
Principles:
Learners acquire language by hearing and using it in real-life contexts.
Focuses on oral communication with grammar and vocabulary introduced naturally through context.
No use of the learner’s native language to explain the rules.
How It Works:
Teachers ONLY speak in English and encourage students to do the same.
Structured grammar, reading and writing isn’t taught until an intermediate level. Learners initially focus solely on speaking and acquiring everyday vocabulary and phrases.
Language is gained around ‘question and answer’ exchanges between students and teacher, that become more complex as understanding and vocabulary is strengthened.
Grammar is learnt inductively: learners notice patterns in the language and work out the rule for themselves before being explained it directly.
Vocabulary is taught through demonstrations, use of objects, pictures etc
Effectiveness:
Pros
Good for those who want to improve their speaking skills.
A good choice for learners looking for quick ways to speak English through practical speaking and listening exercises, but may not provide solid foundation in reading and writing.
Cons
Can leave learners with gaps in understanding complex grammar, as it doesn’t prioritise detailed explanations of rules.
Not ideal for beginners who need instructions in their native language. I expereinced this when I started learning Slovene. As a complete beginner it was incredibly frustrating when the teacher wouldn’t answer basic questions in English...we didn't even know what we were trying to learn because we couldn't understand anything!
Learners may resort to remembering longer phrases, rather than being able to create grammatically correct sentences themselves.
Best For: Intermediate learners who want to improve their speaking skills and engage in real-world conversations early on.
Method 3: The Communicative Approach
Developed in the 1970s, the Communicative Approach focuses on practical communication and the use of language in meaningful, real-life situations.
Unlike the Grammar Translation Method, which focuses heavily on grammar and vocabulary, this method encourages spontaneous use of English language
Principles:
Real-world communication is central to learning English.
All skills (speaking, reading, writing, listening) are developed simultaneously.
Emphasis on role-playing, problem-solving, and contextual activities.
Topics and activities can be selected and adapted to the individual or group needs, rather than following a specific curriculum.
How It Works:
Lessons are focused on creating situations where students can use English for communication. The teacher’s role is more that of a facilitator than a direct teacher, guiding the conversation and encouraging active participation from students.
Some practical activities include:
Role-play situations such as making a reservation or buying a car.
interviews, collaborative work, sharing opinions, exchanging information.
Collaborative projects using real materials such as leaflets or magazine articles.
Sharing opinions or exchanging information on specific topics.
Effectiveness:
Pros
Works well for those looking for practical, everyday communication in English.
Particularly effective for adult English learning because it can help you use English in work, social, or academic settings.
This method can lead to fluency but may not build the deep grammatical knowledge needed for advanced language proficiency.
Cons
it doesn't provide explicit grammar instruction, and this can be problematic for those who need to understand the technical aspects of English to express themselves fully both in written & spoken communication.
Can lead to a degree of spoken fluency but may not build the deep grammatical knowledge needed for advanced English proficiency.
Learners may wrongly associate vocabulary or grammar rules to other words or patterns, based on their own concepts of language.
Learners can become extremely skilled on certain topics, or situations, but they may not develop skills in more formal situations or gain complex expressions for everyday use.
Best For: Learners who want to speak English fluently and engage in real-world situations, particularly those at an advanced level.
Method 4: Task-Based Learning (TBL)
TBL is a subcategory of the Communicative Approach. It focuses on using English to complete real-world tasks, making it an effective method for improving practical communication skills.
Principles of Task-Based Learning:
Focus on completing real-world tasks using English.
Emphasis on the process of completing tasks rather than just language practice.
Tasks should be authentic and relevant to learners' goals.
How It Works:
In a TBL lesson, learners are given a task such as planning a trip, writing a report, or solving a problem. They may work in pairs or small groups, with the teacher providing guidance as needed.
The method itself follows a clear structure:
1. Pre-Task: the student will be briefed on a final task. They will be given the necessary grammatical structures, vocabulary and phrases for that task. The student may compile their own phrases or find their own vocabulary. Tasks may be immediately conducted, or long term and ‘project based’.
2. Task: students perform the task in small groups and will each take on a particular role. The teacher acts as an observer while the task is taking place and provides clarification or correction as it is witnessed.
3. Review: Learners will have the chance to share and exchange their feedback amongst the learners of the task. What they learnt, what could be improved, where they did well etc.
Effectiveness:
Pros:
Good for adult English learning, especially those wanting to improve language skills in specific situations like business meetings or travel.
Encourages English learning for advanced level students who need to develop more complex language & communication skills
Cons:
One downside is that learners may rely on simple language forms without focusing enough on grammar structures, which could hinder their long-term development.
Can cause gaps in language, or they may choose not to use certain grammatical elements because they don’t fully understand.
Lose the critical element of understanding cultural influences and differences that determine how English is used in different situations.
There is a lack of genuine progression by not having a clear curriculum or standards for skills learners must meet and acquire.
Best For: Learners who need to use English in specific, real-life contexts and those looking to develop problem-solving skills in English.
Method 5: Language Coaching
Language Coaching is a modern method that incorporates psychology, neurolinguistics, and coaching techniques to help clients reach their English language goals as effectively as possible for that individual.
Unlike traditional classroom methods or apps, which often focus on general grammar rules or vocabulary lists, coaching is entirely goal-driven and results-oriented.
Language coaches tend to come from traditional learning backgrounds either through academic teaching or through teaching English as a Foreign Language, along with credible academics and professionals. Regardless of their previous background, they will all have a strong technical understanding of English language, and ideally experience learning languages themselves.
Principles of Language Coaching:
Focus on your personalised goals and individualised support.
Understanding and harnessing your motivations for learning English.
Use of coaching & psychological techniques to overcome any fears or learning blocks and enhance self-confidence.
Emphasis on the function of the brain, memory & its language processing to enhance fluency.
Utilisation of neurolinguistic language acquisition methods to achieve real fluency
How It Works:
A language coach works with you to identify your motivations, goals, and potential barriers to success on both a language level & personal level. They then design a personalised plan that includes goal-setting, motivational strategies, and technical English language training in the areas you need to focus on to achieve your English & personal goals.
The process typically starts with a consultation where the learner (or "client") shares their background, goals, and any frustrations or fears they've experienced with language learning. This could be anything from feeling stuck at an intermediate level to struggling with how to improve English speaking skills in professional settings.
From there, the coach builds a bespoke plan. This isn’t just a one-size-fits-all curriculum—it’s a living strategy, shaped around:
Your learning preferences (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.)
Your current level (from intermediate to advanced English learners)
Your real-life goals (not textbook achievements)
Your preferred pace and schedule (making it ideal for online English learning)
Sessions often combine technical grammar guidance, speaking practice, vocabulary building, and feedback—but always within the context of the learner’s personal goal. Crucially, mindset and motivation are woven into every step. This makes it a great fit for those who’ve studied English before but still feel stuck or unsure how to move forward.
Practical examples of Language Coaching include:
Establishing connections to the client's native language & English.
Role-plays: Simulate your real-world scenarios like job interviews, presentations, or everyday conversations.
Specific conversations that focus on using the target grammar naturally.
Email and business writing: Help draft or refine emails, reports, and proposals.
Grammar and sentence structure review: Use writing samples to correct patterns of error.
Mindset coaching: Address fear of speaking or perfectionism using cognitive tools.
Effectiveness:
Pros:
Highly effective if you have specific goals, such as preparing for a presentation or mastering English for their specific job.
A completely personalised method to meet needs of individuals or each participant of a group program, unlike traditional courses & curriculums that focus on general areas that may not be useful to you.
Flexible options for both long & short-term learning.
Offer a variety of focus areas such as English language, job interviews, pronunciation and presentations or public speaking.
As a goal-based method it focuses on bringing English learners to specific smaller & larger goals they need to achieve to get the results they want
Great for intermediate & advanced English learners and need to refine particular skills.
Suitable for online English learning as it provides flexibility to the client.
Highly adaptable as coaching reacts to the clients changing needs as time progresses.
Perfect for learners who need to achieve a deeper transformation, or reach a certain level in a shorter period of time.
Great for those who have anxiety or lack motivation around learning English.
Cons:
Unsuitable for beginners who need more structure in their learning or instruction in their native language to get the English basics.
Best For: Learners with specific language goals, such as improving English speaking skills for work or academic purposes & haven't had results from traditional methods.
Why I Believe Language Coaching Is the Best Way to Learn English!
After years of experience both as a language learner and a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many different ways to learn & teach English.
While each approach has its strengths, I’ve found that language coaching is the most effective and empowering method for long-term success for your English & also your personal & professional life goals.
Many clients come to me after years of studying English in school or courses using traditional methods, like the Grammar-Translation Method. They often have excellent knowledge of grammar rules and can read complex texts, but all complained they struggled to verbally express themselves confidently, accurately & fluently.
This disconnect between knowing English and using English is what motivated me to shift toward a coaching model & focus on English communication & fluency.
In my view, language coaching bridges that gap in a way no other method does. That's why I combined my experience as a certified life coach & English teacher to create my own method that helps people achieve fluent English Communication.
Conclusion: So Which English Learning Method Is Best?!
The best way to learn English ultimately depends on your specific needs, learning style, and language goals!
It's crucial to choose the English learning strategy that aligns with your goals. Consider factors like your current level, the skills you want to develop, and your personal learning style to find the best approach.
It can be argued that there are benefits and disadvantages in all methods from a linguistic perspective and on a personal level. As we are all unique in our preferences and brain functioning, there will never be one miracle method suitable for all 1.35 billion learners!
By understanding the strengths and limitations of different methods, you can make an informed decision on how to improve your English skills.
If you're unsure where to start, book a free consultation with me to help tailor your learning approach and goals!
Best wishes!
Eleanor
About the Author
I'm a British native and English Communication Coach based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
As a certified English teacher and life coach, I started Utter Eloquence to help you express yourself clearly and confidently in English.
Ready to speak like you in English? Let’s get started!
Vocabulary Definitions
Sought-after: Highly desired or in demand.
Numerous: Many or a large number of something.
Immersive: Creating a deep, engaging experience where one feels fully involved.
Limitations: Restrictions or boundaries that prevent something from happening or being achieved.
Approach: A method or way of doing something.
Originating: Coming from a particular source or place.
Mainstream: Common, widely accepted or popular.
Fostering: Encouraging the growth or development of something.
Deductively: In a way that uses logical reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.
Vice versa: The other way around; in reverse order.
Promote: To encourage or help something grow or succeed.
Immersion: The state of being deeply involved in something.
Prohibited: Not allowed or banned.
Inductively: Based on specific observations or facts to form a general conclusion.
Simultaneously: Happening at the same time.
Facilitator: A person who makes a process or task easier by guiding or helping others.
Problematic: Causing problems or difficulties.
Proficiency: The level of skill or ability in a particular area.
Compile: To collect and organise information from various sources.
Downside: The negative aspect or disadvantage of something.
Hinder: To obstruct or delay progress or action.
Psychology: The study of the mind and behaviour.
Neurolinguistics: The study of the relationship between language and the brain.
Coaching: Providing guidance or training to help someone improve in a specific area.
Goal-driven: Focused on achieving specific objectives.
Results-oriented: Focused on achieving outcomes or results.
Credible: Believable or trustworthy.
Harnessing: To make use of something effectively, often referring to energy, resources, or skills.
Psychological: Relating to the mind or mental processes.
Motivations: The reasons or desires that drive someone to act or behave in a certain way.
Potential: The ability to develop into something in the future.
Combine: To bring two or more things together.
Crucially: In a way that is very important or critical.
Woven: Intertwined or blended together, like threads in fabric.
Establishing: Creating or setting up something.
Mindset: A person’s attitude or way of thinking about things.
Perfectionism: The desire to make everything flawless, often to an extreme degree.
Cognitive tools: Mental strategies or techniques used for thinking and problem-solving.
Refine: To improve something by making small changes or adjustments.
Empowering: Giving someone the confidence or ability to do something.
Disconnect: A lack of connection or understanding between things or people.
Bridges that gap: To connect or resolve differences between two things.
Preferences: The things or choices that someone likes more than others.
Limitations: The constraints or boundaries that restrict what can be done. (Repeated word, same definition as above).
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