This book is for English learners who want to reach native-level fluency. You are not a beginner. And you are not looking to pick up a few phrases for travel. That is not good enough for you, Dear Speaker. 

For the lucky ones, learning English feels like a steady climb – their English gradually improves in step with the hours they put in. For others, there comes a time when no matter what you try, improvement fails to follow.

Let’s revisit Mariam’s case. She earned a 21 in TOEFL Speaking and stayed stuck there for nearly a year. After consulting with me, getting some guidance, and practicing with the Speaker Habit, she earned her dream score in less than four months. We all love a happy ending, but analyzing the journey that leads to it can be instructive. How was she practicing? Why did she keep getting a similar score? What did she need to change to finally improve? To answer these questions, we first must understand the hamster. Yes, the hamster. 

There are thousands of English schools, sites, apps, and teachers making big promises. You’ve heard the reach-native-level-fluency-by-following-my-97-step-plan spiel before, I’m sure. The Speaker Habit may feel like another hollow promise screaming into the abyss of language learning advice. But, if you’ve read this far, you sense something different about the Speaker Habit. One enormous difference is that this routine is designed for a very particular type of language learner. You’re not some American trying to learn Italian. Nor are you a lazy beginner, wishing to attend Harvard without ever cracking open a book. This is for experienced English language learners seeking mastery. Most advice is not designed for you.