Why You Need Real Topics to Become Fluent

Fluency grows when you go deeper on the topics you want to talk about.

If you are B2 or C1 and you still do not feel fluent, the problem is often not your grammar. It is that real conversation asks for more than correct sentences.

Fluency is not only about knowing English. It is about using English in real situations, with real people, in real moods.

What I mean by “real topics”

They are the things people actually talk about when they relax, disagree, joke, complain, flirt, vent, or share something personal. For example:

• work problems and decisions

• opinions and values

• culture, films, music, and what people are watching right now

• relationships, boundaries, dating, family

• goals, identity, life changes

• money, stress, health, everyday pressures

  
  

These topics create longer answers. You explain yourself, react, ask follow up questions, and tell stories. That is where fluency grows.

Real English is personal, not one-size-fits-all

Textbooks are useful. They give structure and safe practice. They also try to work for everyone, so they often avoid certain topics, like politics, religion, sex, or strong opinions.

But real life is not one-size-fits-all and neither are you. You have your own identity, experiences, dreams, goals, and sense of humour. You want to talk about the things that matter to you, in the way you would actually say them.

That is why fluency grows when you practise language that feels personal and real.

Real language is more than vocabulary and grammar

Yes, it helps to learn things like contractions, phrasal verbs, expressions, and difference between formal and informal language. But the real jump at B2 to C1 is understanding the context behind the language.

The same words can mean different things depending on:

• the situation

• your relationship with the person

• your tone of voice, facial expression and timing

• whether you are serious, joking, annoyed, or being sarcastic

• what is implied, not said

  
  

Native speakers do this constantly. Their English is not always perfect or “clean”. They shorten sentences, leave things out, use slang, and speak in unfinished ideas.

Real conversation is messy.

So the “real” skill is not only knowing the phrase. It is knowing how it lands with other people.

This is why learning English only as vocabulary and grammar can still leave you feeling stuck. You can know the words, but you might not feel confident using them.

Want to practise real English with support?

My Fluency Sessions are for B2 to C1 learners who want to speak more naturally, understand real conversation, and feel confident expressing their own opinions and personality in English.

We focus on the topics you actually want to talk about. I help you improve not only vocabulary and grammar, but also tone, context, and what is implied, so you can sound more natural and feel more like yourself.

Book a Fluency Session here:

ENGLISH FLUENCY SESSION

If you’d like support with your English or aren’t sure where to start, you’re welcome to book a FREE 15-minute chat with me.

I offer group courses, fluency sessions, exam preparation, and private English sessions in Amsterdam and online.

See you in the classroom,

Nicole