How to be a Grammar Nazi

 Having said that, were the concept of Grammatical National Socialism ever to capture my fancy to the extent that I was willing to work towards joining the party, the steps that follow would be those that I decidedly take:

1. The first step to becoming a Grammar Nazi is to make sure that one's understanding of the language is impeccable; Nazis considered themselves part of a 'master race' and one can't rule with Pig Latin.

A reading of dated literature, wherein sentences stand constructed as meticulously as would construct a sculptor their masterpiece, augments one's grasp on the idea at hand - developing catholicity in one's perception of the language.

2. The next step, essential to all other contemporary forms of Nazism as well, should they exist, is to force one's sense of superiority upon those whom one considers 'sub-human', for they are guilty of a heinous crime - the mention of which I will not let soil this answer.

This is to be done by developing a condescending outlook towards those who choose to bring the language, unabashedly , into disrepute. They are to be judged not on the content of their word, but on whether their word is syntactically and semantically sound.

Nazis : Anti-semitic. Grammar Nazis : Pro-semantic.

3. If possible, it is to be made known to the sub-human species that their very existence mars the human race, and that they - as a final favor to those who wish to achieve grammatical purification - would do well to terminate their existence on all public forums, written and spoken.

You need to discover the secret society of Grammar Nazis, solve some puzzles, deliver a soliloquy, write a 500 page story in 20 minutes and voilà ! You are a grammar nazi now.

On a serious note, we don't suddenly become grammar nazi.
Following happen which make us Grammar Nazis:

• Can't resist correcting someone mid-sentence for their wrong use of grammar.
• If someone gives me prose or some written work to review its content and criticize; I instead start correcting their grammatic and spelling mistakes first then focus on the content.
• When I read a signboard or a billboard, I can't help correcting the sentence or word, as the case may be.
• I can't teach English to a novice or someone who isn't much accustomed because I start correcting their grammar instead of teaching anything new.

So you see, we start showing such signs early on and are either self-proclaimed grammar nazi or someone we know has at some point of time labeled as such. 

That sounds pretty easy, I suppose. Crisp and clear; nothing to explain there.

Oh, but I’ve promised a step-by-step guide. So here it is.

• First and foremost, you gotta be really thorough with your Grammar. All the rules at your fingertips, as they say.
• Pay attention to what you read/hear. You don’t wanna miss out on any opportunity to correct others !!
• NEVER overlook mistakes. You should be sincere with your work, after all.
• Practice makes you perfect.
  Go ahead. Correct your friends and family or just random strangers. Beware of angry reactions, though.
• Facebook is probably the best place to hone your skills as a Grammar Nazi. You’re likely to encounter hundreds of mistakes in the comments section of some popular posts.
• VERY IMPORTANT : Use proper punctuation. (And refrain from using double exclamation !!)
• Volunteer yourself as a proofreader for your friends and acquaintances.

This is a technique known as 'shadowing' that I learnt in Japanese class, which I find tremendously helpful for short-term oral fluency improvement.

Watch your favorite English language TV show or movie, and as the characters speak, repeat loudly the exact words they are saying the moment you hear them. In other words, 'shadow' their dialogue in real-time. Don't worry about getting every word or sound right - focus on listening carefully, moving along quickly and keeping pace. After the movie ends, repeat the exact same movie and do it again. And again.

By forcing yourself to speak at native speed, your brain becomes hyper-receptive to what you are hearing, and you will find yourself not only picking up the words quicker and quicker, but also unconsciously mimicking the inflections and vocal nuances that are usually difficult to learn for a non-native. It will also fix the stammer that comes with uncertainty or lack of confidence. In this way, the actors in the movie become your speaking partners.

This will be perfect practice just before your interview. Look for some interview practice videos on YouTube, then shadow the entire conversation. Practice the same dialogs again and again. You will be amazed how that will improve not only your speaking, but also your ability to actively listen and react. Best of luck.