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English language proficiency is essential in many aspects of life. It is a valuable tool used for communication, professional and academic development, and even personal growth. However, for many people, the thought of speaking English can be intimidating and cause a sense of fear and anxiety. Despite this, it is possible to overcome the fear of speaking English. In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies and techniques to help you overcome your fear of speaking English and become a confident English speaker. We will explore how to develop your English language skills, use resources to improve your confidence, and create a plan to practice English. By the end of this post, you will have the strategies and techniques needed to build your English speaking skills and overcome any fear of speaking English.
1. Add English To Your Daily Routine
Overcoming your fear of speaking English can be daunting, but it is achievable with dedication and practice. A great way to start is to add English to your daily routine. There are many ways to do this: you can listen to English podcasts while you walk or drive, watch English movies or TV shows with English subtitles, read English news articles or books, or even make an English-speaking friend with whom you can practice. Doing these activities every day will help you become more comfortable with English and eventually become more confident in your ability to speak it.
2. Set achievable goals
One of the most crucial steps in overcoming your fear of speaking English is setting achievable goals. Don’t try to set yourself up for failure by aiming too high. Start small and build up your confidence with each small success. Try to focus on just one small goal at a time, such as introducing yourself in English or asking a simple question. Once you reach that goal and gain a bit more confidence, you can move on to more challenging tasks. If you have a specific goal in mind, like giving a presentation, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. That way you’ll be less overwhelmed and more likely to succeed.
3. Listen to English podcasts and watch English TV shows
If you want to become more comfortable speaking English, one of the best things you can do is listen to English podcasts and watch English TV shows. This will help you become more familiar with the language, as well as pick up on the various accents and dialects. This can also help you learn slang and familiarize you with commonly used phrases. Additionally, watching English shows or listening to English podcasts can provide you with an opportunity to pick up on the intonations, expressions and body language used by native English speakers.
4. Read English books, stories and newspapers
One of the best ways to overcome your fear of speaking English is to read English books, stories and newspapers. Reading will not only help you become familiar with the language but will also improve your grammar and vocabulary. By reading, you can also get an idea of how the language is used in different contexts. As you read, try to pick out phrases and idioms that you can use when communicating in English. This will help you build confidence and be more comfortable when speaking the language.
5. Talk to yourself in English
The fifth step in overcoming your fear of speaking English is to talk to yourself in the language. This can be done in a variety of ways. First, you can keep a diary in English and use it to express your thoughts and feelings. You can also practice pronouncing difficult words and listening to yourself as you say them. Additionally, you can practice having conversations with yourself.
This will help you gain confidence in speaking the language and reducing your fear.
6. Join Online Voicerooms and Speak
One of the best ways to overcome your fear of speaking English is to join online voicerooms like Tandem, HelloTalk, Clubhouse, or Twitter Spaces. By joining online voicerooms, you can practice speaking English with other English learners. You can also practice conversational English with native English speakers. This will give you the opportunity to work on improving your speaking skills in a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment. Also, you will gain confidence in your speaking skills as you practice more.
7. Watch YouTube videos in English
One of the best ways to overcome your fear of speaking English is to watch YouTube videos in English. Watching videos by native English speakers is a great way to see how they talk and how they use everyday expressions and language. You can also pick up on their accents and intonation, which are essential if you want to sound natural when you speak. Plus, there are many videos available on YouTube that are specifically designed to help people learn English, so you can get a lot of practice in the comfort of your own home.
8. Overcome The Fear Of Making Mistakes
Most people who have a fear of speaking English have a fear of making mistakes. This fear can be paralyzing, stopping you from speaking up and expressing yourself. But there are ways to overcome this fear. First, remember that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s OK to make them. Instead of avoiding them, embrace them. Learn from your mistakes and use them to become a better speaker. Secondly, when you make a mistake, don’t be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge the mistake and move on. Finally, practice regularly. This will help you gain confidence and reduce the fear of making mistakes.
In conclusion, speaking English can be a tough task, but with dedication and practice, you can overcome your fear of speaking English. It's important to remember to take small steps, practice regularly, and be patient with yourself. With the right attitude and strategy, you can become a confident English speaker in no time.
