Introduction

Speaking a new language can be intimidating, especially when it comes to English. As an adult learner, you sometimes think about your fluency in speaking. Your fear of speaking English fluently then occurs and you are just embarrassed to express yourself confidently using the language.

What are you afraid of when you speak English?

To overcome your fear of speaking English, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of your anxiety. Is it a fear of making mistakes, being judged, or not being understood? Identifying this will help you address the specific issues and work towards overcoming them.

You can overcome your fear and become more confident in speaking English when you act on things willingly. In this article, we will explore six simple yet effective techniques that will help you overcome your fear and improve your English speaking skills.

Strategies to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking English

• One of the best ways to overcome your fear of speaking English is to practice active listening. Engage in activities such as watching English movies, listening to podcasts, or even having conversations with native English speakers. Paying attention to how native speakers utter their speech will make you become more familiar with the language, its distinctions, and its pronunciation.
• Another simple yet effective strategy to overcome your fear of speaking English is to immerse yourself in English. Not only can you watch movies or have conversations with native speakers, but you can also read English novels or news articles where you can find new vocabulary words. In your free time, you can do these activities at home, even for just a short time. Gradually, you will boost your confidence in speaking English.
• Enroll in online English classes where you can learn a lot about the language. You can set your own time and have a private lesson with a language teacher. You don’t have to be shy when you are with an English teacher because they can help you surpass your difficulty and fear of speaking English.

There is actually nothing to worry about because language tutors are always there to help and guide you throughout your language-learning journey.

• Regular practice is the key to overcoming your fear of speaking English. Set aside time each day to engage in speaking activities, such as role-playing, rehearsing conversations, or participating in language exchange programs. Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable and proficient at expressing yourself in English.

Your language teachers can help you with your regular practice. If you have an upcoming interview and you are not sure how to answer interview questions in English, you can ask your teacher to practice it with you.

If you have an upcoming presentation and you are going to present in front of your foreign colleagues, you make your teacher an audience to give you feedback about how well you presented, or what you need to improve.

Your fear of speaking English is not a big deal if you are eager to improve your English language skills. By regular practice, you can have a smooth and natural conversation with anyone who speaks English.

• Another effective strategy to overcome your fear of speaking English is to set realistic goals for yourself. Setting realistic goals is crucial when it comes to overcoming your fear of speaking English. Break down your language learning journey into smaller, achievable milestones.

For example, aim to hold a conversation with a native English speaker for five minutes without feeling anxious. You can also ask a friend or  colleague to speak English with you. If you attend an adult online English lesson, you can also tell your teacher what your goals are so that they can help you achieve your target goals. As you achieve these small goals, your confidence will grow, and and your fear will subside.

• Don’t be shy; be limitless. This is the best of these five simple yet effective strategies to overcome your fear of speaking English. When you are willing to improve your English language skills and achieve your targets, you should bear in mind that being confident is the key.

Be confident. Never mind how people react about the delivery of your speech. Remember, it is okay to commit mistakes. That is why we make mistakes because it gives us the chance to correct them and improve. No matter how bad or awful your English is, just be confident and expressive.

It’s important to embrace mistakes and learn from them when speaking English. Remember that everyone makes errors while learning a new language, and it’s a natural part of the process. Instead of being afraid of making mistakes, view them as opportunities to improve.

Overcoming the fear of speaking English is a journey that requires patience, practice, and perseverance. You must have a strong will and determination to succeed in attaining your goals. Practice active listening, immerse yourself in English, enroll in English classes, have regular practice, set realistic goals for yourself, and don’t be shy; be limitless.

By instilling these strategies in your mind, you can gradually build confidence and proficiency in speaking English. Embrace the journey of learning and growth, and remember that every step forward is a step toward conquering your fear.