In London, I saw Chris for the first time in the year and a half and he told me that my English speaking ability went down. Although I'd realized it, I was shocked.
I'm an English consultant in my company and I teach co-workers English and give them the ways to study English. I tell most of them to "write" in English, because this is the best way to study English I've found. Generally, Japanese people are not good at writing and speaking (output skills). The reason is our entrance exam of colleges is usually reading test and listening test(input skills).
However, we study a language and if you can't tell someone what you want to say in it, what do you study it for?
If you can speak it, it'd be the best, but usually speaking is more difficult than writing, as you can't use a dictionary or grammar book when you speak. Before speaking, practice writing with a dictionary and grammar book. Check your spell and grammar.
Two years ago in London, practicing it for 12weeks, my output skill tremendously improved. My teacher(Chris) said I spoiled it, though...being lazy.
I've been lazy. I was telling people to study without studying myself. People say, "You can study English when you teach English.", but teaching and studying are, needless to say, different. I teach what I already know and I don't get anything new. In addition to teaching, I have to study myself and get new things. That's why I'm writing now, at office. My boss is away.