You are an expert chef and your food preparation is the talk of the town. At a social gathering, one evening, you are approached by an expat for instructions for your recipes. How will you utilize your English speaking skills to give instructions to your listener? Giving instructions for doing an activity requires clear and concise English. You should be clear enough for your listener to understand the details in the first instance. Knowing some of the common words used to give out instructions will go a long way in improving your communication skills while giving out instructions.

Things to remember when giving instructions:

1. Proper grammar

The sentences that you speak should be grammatically correct and accurate. If you use incorrect sentences, it can even change the meaning of your instructions. Consider giving instructions as an activity that gives valuable practice in grammar preparation. A strong foundation in grammar is vital for fluent English speaking skills.

2. Ask to note down

Request your listener to take notes of your instructions. This will save both of you time and effort. Taking notes also helps in improving retention. You should improve your English vocabulary for asking listeners to take effective notes.

3. Practice

Giving instructions can take many forms. It can be in the form of helping someone out in a study subject, in times of difficulty, etc. For this, you should have a habit of helping others. Make helping others a second habit for you and you will automatically be able to practice giving instructions. Consistent practice is instrumental in learning any new language.

Methods of giving instructions:

There are two main methods for giving instructions:

1. Number linking

This method is useful when giving out short instructions. You can use words such as firstly, secondly, thirdly and then finally. Usually, the last line in any instructions will end in 'finally' or 'in the end' instead of a number.

Example:

1. In the first step.
2. Followed by the second step.
3. The third step involves
4. As a final step.
5. At last.

2. Linking words

You can use the sample linking words while giving instructions.

1. The first thing is to.
2. You can begin with.
3. You can start with.
4. And then.
5. Following this.
6. When this is done, you can start with.
7. While this is happening, you can start with/wait for.

Practice:

Fill in the blanks in the below instruction dialogs:

1.___________________ cut as many slices of tomatoes you need.

2. __________________ the bacon is grilling; break 2 eggs in to a glass bowl.

3. _____________ dip the bacon into the bowl of milk.

4. __________ heat some vegetables in a frying pan.

5. ________ add about 2 glasses of water.

Answers:

1. To begin with. 2. While. 3. Then. 4. After you have done this. 5. Next.

The above samples and exercises will make you understand the right way of giving instructions. You should be strong in your English speaking skills to give clear cut instructions. Join an online English learning course for practice and more information.

About eAgeTutor:

eAgeTutor.com is the premier online tutoring provider. eAge's world class faculty and ace communication experts from around the globe help you to improve in an all round manner. Assignments and tasks based on a well researched content developed by subject matter and industry experts can certainly fetch the most desired results for improving spoken English skills. Overcoming limitations is just a click of mouse away in this age of effective and advance communication technology. For further information on online English speaking course or to experience the wonders of virtual classroom fix a demonstration session with our tutor. Please visit www.eagetutor.com.

Contact us today to know more about our spoken English program and experience the exciting world of e-learning.

- By Shailja Varma

Related Topics:

1. How to describe your favourite movie?
2. Talking about life events - Summer vacations
3. How to describe school you attended in the past?
4. How to explain charges to a guest?
5. How to explain the project plan to a group of senior management members?