Let's start with a definition: what is a false friend?
It's a word that looks or sounds the same in two languages, so it's easy to believe that the meaning is the same. However, in reality, the meaning is different, and it's very easy to make a mistake and confuse the person you are talking to.

So, I've made a list of the five most common false friends that I hear in a professional context.

1. Actually.
In English, "actually" is a synonym for "in fact".
We never use "actually" to talk about time, or what's happening at the moment.

2. Agenda.
An agenda is a list of points that you talk about during a meeting.
Be careful, an agenda is NOT a timetable.

3. Attend.
"Attend" means to be present. 
Are you going to attend the meeting this afternoon?

4. Eventually.
This means "finally".
Today, I eventually managed to catch up on writing my blog!

5. Important.
We use "important" to talk about a person or an object which has importance.
The Queen is an important person.
However, please don't use "important" to express the idea of quantity, it just isn't possible in English.
You could use "large" "sizeable" or "considerable" instead.

Of course, there are a lot more than five false friends! If you're not sure if a word is a false friend, there's only one solution: use your dictionary!
Your dictionary is your true friend!

Everybody wants to be fluent, but what does that really mean?
In my opinion, "fluent" means understanding, processing, and replying smoothly without any interruptions.
It's easy to say and not so easy to do, so what techniques can you use to make it easier?

1. Take your time when you speak. Give yourself time to breathe! If you race to get the words out as quickly as possible, you won't even understand yourself!
So, slow down, breathe, and articulate.

2. Take every opportunity to learn new vocabulary. Get into the habit of carrying a notebook with you, and write down new words when you hear them. So, when you watch your favourite series, or see a film, remember to write down new words so that you can look them up later.

3. So, once you've started using your notebook (see number 2) then you can look up the new words and try to remember them in context. It's much more useful, and interesting to learn vocabulary in a whole sentence rather than just a list of words. This is a huge boost for your fluency!

4. Immerse yourself in an English speaking environment. This might not be easy, but it's possible. Try speaking English for one day every week at home. Ask your friends to practice dialogues & role plays with you. Listen to English speaking radios. Record yourself , then listen and try to correct your mistakes. Create your very own English bubble.

5.Take the plunge! It seems difficult and it can be scary to start speaking, but once you've started, you won't regret it. Don't worry about making mistakes, we all make them. What you've got to do now is to start speaking as a means of communication; it's the only way to attain the level of fluency that you've been looking for.

1. Don't panic, think positively!
It sounds like a cliché, but if you start with the idea that it's too difficult, it probably will be. There's no reason why you can't understand; it takes perseverance & motivation. Remember, you CAN do it!

2. Concentrate on key words.
It's NOT always NECESSARY to UNDERSTAND every single WORD.
Often the GLOBAL MEANING is clear, just from the most IMPORTANT WORDS. See?!

3. Pay attention to the whole situation.
Gestures & intonation can also play an important role in communication.

4. When we speak, we often use the same vocabulary over and over again! 
If you hear a word you don't understand, make sure that you note it down and learn it. The chances are that you'll hear it again very soon!

5. Finally, practice makes perfect!
The more you listen, the easier it becomes!
So, watch Netflix in English, pick up the phone when you see an international call coming through.

What's the worst that can happen? You watch the same scene in your series a few times in order to understand? On the telephone you could ask someone to repeat? So what?

Your colleagues will never think badly of you for making an effort to learn, but making no effort will certainly have negative consequences.