Sometimes, speaking in a foreign language that is not one’s mother tongue is an incredibly complicated task for many people. Poor language skills, the risk of making a mistake, and even fear or embarrassment are some of the factors that affect this. Here we will guide you through some tips for losing the fear of speaking in another language in public.
Fear of speaking another language in public
Embarrassment is the main limitation that interferes with the learning of a foreign language, since at the moment of speaking or having a conversation, the fear of making a mistake appears. According to many specialists, this is due to fear of ridicule or of being judged negatively, and it is essential to find out the reason for this.
Tips for Losing the fear of speaking in another language
Practice as much as you can
Practicing often and constantly are important acts to get used to the language. In the first contact, if you are overcome by shyness, you can practice individually, asking and answering questions, in front of a mirror… all in a loud and clear voice, because if it is done mentally, it will not be of much use.
Understand your fears
The main thing is to try to understand what it is that overwhelms us or makes us nervous. It is natural for fears of failure or mistakes to arise, but it is essential to try to ward them off. Anxiety decreases the brain’s ability to function normally, so the best thing to do is to relax, take a deep breath and move on.
Detect your faults
Identifying the greatest difficulty in speaking the language is essential. By thinking about the most common mistakes or recognizing certain shortcomings, you will be able to solve them and gain confidence. It can be listening comprehension or pronunciation, among others.
Train listening comprehension
Accustoming your ear to hearing and interpreting in another language will increase your confidence in speaking it. The fastest and most effective method is language immersion, but there are much easier and more affordable ways, such as watching series in their original version or listening to radio stations or podcasts in the target language.
Take your time
Don’t despair; it is normal to feel a certain insecurity when having a conversation in another language, it is almost impossible to speak perfectly from the very first moment! Even native speakers can have occasional lapses! A good mood is also fundamental; by thinking positively you will overcome the fears that block you.
Don’t compare yourself with the rest
The more you compare yourself to others, the more insecure you will feel, as you may interpret that you do not measure up. The best comparison is with yourself; compare your past self with your present self to realize your evolution.
Learning colloquial phrases
The use of expressions or colloquialisms can be very useful when speaking another language fluently. These phrases will help you get out of small blocks that arise in conversations.
By following these tips and studying, little by little, with patience and perseverance, you will master the language.
Need a little more help?
Being able to speak more than one language is an indispensable skill in today’s world of work. Lingua, through its educational affiliations, offers personalized attention and guidance to meet your goals and get into the academic programs of your dreams. You will achieve all your goals, do not hesitate to contact us!