Feeling Nervous About Speaking English? You’re Not Alone! 😰

Why are we sometimes so nervous when speaking a language that is not our own?

Perhaps you have thoughts like:

• “What if I sound silly?” 🙊 Guess what? Even native speakers say silly things.
• “Oh no, was that the right word?” 🤔 It’s like a buffet—sometimes you pick the wrong dish, but that’s okay.
• “Everyone’s staring at me!” 👀 Plot twist: They’re probably admiring your courage to speak up.
• “Last time I spoke, I messed up…” 😖 Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

So, how can you tackle these worries?

• Practice makes progress (not perfect—that’s boring).
• Embrace your mistakes—they’re steps towards fluency.
• Remember, every English speaker starts as a beginner.

So, next time you feel those butterflies, just imagine them saying, “You’ve got this!” to you. 🦋

I’d love to hear about your funniest English-speaking story.😄

PS And if you want to practise with others who feel the same way, join one of my Speed Networking sessions. I’d love to see you there.