How to speak English without sounding artificial?

[Sonia*]

Hello Teachers,

I want to share a sad experience with you.I speak English when I feel the necessity to speak.Yesterday I came across with a situation where i had to speak English continuously for an hour and my elder sister was with me.She remarked that I had spoken well but sounding artificial.In other words I was speaking but It was sounding unnatural.I am really sad.

Please tell me some points how to look or sound natural when to speak.
sonia*

[Alan]

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Hi Sonia,

It seems a bit hard on you to be told you sounded 'artificial'. There is always a slightly artificial sound about the way someone speaks when they are using a language which isn't their native tongue. The more you speak English in practical situations, I am sure you will sound more realistic and natural. Why don't you leave a recorded message on the forum and then it will be possible to hear what you sound like?

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Sonia*]

Hello Alan,

Yes,You are absolutely right.English is not my mother tongue.I think this can be the reason of sounding artificial.I have got your suggestion that instead of speaking occasionally,I should use English daily in practical situations.

Thanks to you from my heart of hearts for motivating me sir.
Sonia*