I'm sorry you had a bad experience, not all Americans are that way.
If you find yourself in that situation, where oral English is an obstacle, just speak slowly and clearly is the best advice I can give, and don't try to use idioms if you're not totally sure. Also try to communicate as much as possible in writing, since it can be easier.
To actually improve spoken English, you have to use it I think. There's no other way. You'll get there Seize any opportunity you have to try and use it: practice makes perfect.
Guys, how can you expect to make improvement if you do not try to put your English into use as much as possible? It is a long way to go before you can speak fluent English.
举例来说: 1, aclegt: "...not all Americans are that way" 不正确,说not all Americans are like that 或 not all Amreicans act that way 还可以。“..just speak slowly and clearly is the best advice.."语法不正确,”..don't try to use idioms if you're not totally sure. .."中的totally sure是指use 还是指idioms? 但无论指哪个,放在了一起都不太符合语法。"to actually improve" 是中式英语,".. Seize any opportunity you have to try and use it"也是错误的。 Practice makes perfect这句话英语语法没错,但却是40年前就被语言学家否认了的“行为学派的语言学习理论”,是个错误的观点。
2, DL88: put something into use 一般指仪器设备等“交付使用”,用在这里指“使用英语”不合适,另外后边再接 as much as possible也不符合语法了。