Hey there! 👋
Ever been in a situation where everyone around you is speaking a different language, and you’re just frozen, totally unable to say a word—even though you know some of it? That’s the fear of speaking kicking in, something many language learners experience.
Bueno, ¡eso es totalmente normal!
This fear often keeps us from practicing and leveling up. Pero, ¿por qué pasa esto? Why are we so scared of making mistakes?
¿Por qué nos da miedo cometer errores?
Fear of what others think
No matter what we’re doing, it’s natural to care about others’ opinions. And when speaking a new language, it can feel like everyone’s quick to point out your mistakes. But… ¡spoiler alert! That’s not true! Most people actually appreciate the effort 💪 and are super patient with learners.
Trying to avoid failure
Messing up? It feels… awkward. So, we try to avoid it altogether, especially in front of people. But guess what? Those little “oops” moments are actually helping us learn.
Wanting to “sound native”
Many of us dream of sounding like native speakers, and that’s not a bad thing. But if we wait until we feel 100% ready, we might never actually speak. It’s okay to sound like a learner!
Los errores son parte del proceso!
Mistakes? They’re our best friends on this journey! Cada error nos ayuda a crecer y aprender. Every little stumble gives us better fluency and helps us pick up new vocab. Speaking regularly helps our brain adapt, step by step. Remember: communication > progress! 🗣️✨
3 Ways to overcome the fear of speaking and start building confidence
#1 Change your mindset💡
Instead of seeing mistakes as “fails,” let’s call them milestones. Every “oops” teaches us something new. This small mindset shift helps reduce the pressure. And don’t forget: language is all about connecting, not scoring a 10/10 on a grammar test. Give yourself a pep talk, like, “I’m learning; mistakes are part of the process!”
#2 Find a judgment-free zone 🌈
Find places where you can hablar sin miedo de cometer errores. Apps, language exchange groups, or even just practicing with a friend are great ways to feel supported. Tutors or coaches can help too, giving you feedback without making you feel judged. Feeling safe helps you get comfortable speaking!
#3 Embrace vulnerability and face the fear of speaking
Sometimes, just admitting to yourself, “I’m nervous about making mistakes” can help. Remember why you started learning—whether it’s for family, travel, or work—and use that as motivation to keep pushing through. After each convo, celebrate what you did accomplish! Did you understand the other person? Did you make them laugh? ¡Eso es progreso!
Practical tips to tackle the fear of speaking
Talk to yourself (Yes, really) 🪞
Use a mirror! Yes, it sounds funny, but talking to yourself in front of a mirror is great for practicing expressions and pronunciation—without any pressure!
Practice solo conversations
Pretend you’re talking to someone. Practice ordering food, introducing yourself, or talking about your favorite TV show. Getting comfy with these basic convos helps you feel more ready IRL.
Record yourself
Recording might seem intimidating, but it’s a fantastic confidence booster. Listening back lets you notice areas to improve and reminds you of the progress you’re making. Over time, hearing how much better you sound will keep you motivated!
Baby steps 👶
Start small! Say “how are you” to the cashier, or “thank you” to a waiter. Little by little, you’ll build momentum and confidence until tackling full convos feels easy peasy!
Focus on being understood over grammar
Don’t worry too much about grammar—focus on getting your point across. People care more about what you’re saying than how you say it. With this mindset, conversations feel lighter and more enjoyable!
Be kind to yourself 💛
Ditch the harsh critic
Instead of going hard on yourself for a mistake, try thinking, “How can I improve next time?” Celebrate what you got right, and remember that mistakes are stepping stones, not roadblocks.
Be patient ⏳
Learning takes time, and everyone goes at their own pace. Celebrate small wins—like understanding a line in a song, or getting through a convo—and stay motivated! 🥂
Every little win IS a big win!
Even if it’s just a short conversation, every time you try, you’re getting better. Remember, even the little stuff counts—like ordering a coffee or laughing at a joke in your new language.
Ready to dive in? 🚀
Learning a language is an incredible journey full of ups, downs, and yes—mistakes! By welcoming errors, finding safe spaces to practice, and focusing on communication, we can finally let go of that fear holding us back. Next time you hesitate, remind yourself: cada error es un paso adelante.
Y si quieres dar un paso más hacia la fluidez del inglés, I have good news for you! Our course The Challenge is designed to help you conquer that fear and speak English with ease. Over 5 weeks, our students not only improve their vocabulary, grammar, and expressions, but they also gain the confidence to speak English every day – naturally and fearlessly.
Thanks to daily speaking challenges, live classes, and a powerful combination of neuroplasticity techniques, you’ll start speaking English confidently – just like the students who’ve already completed the course!
👉 Don’t just take our word for it – listen to the stories of students who’ve overcome their fear of speaking and achieved fluency through The Challenge. Click here to see their testimonials.
Are you ready to take the challenge and unlock your speaking potential?
Sign up today for the January session and start your journey to fluency! 🌟
Mini dictionary
Overcome – (verb) to successfully deal with or control a problem or difficulty (superar).
Leveling up verb – (phrase) improving or advancing to a higher level (subir de nivel).
Awkward – (adjective) causing discomfort or embarrassment; clumsy (incómodo).
Stumble – (noun/verb) a small mistake or trip while walking or speaking (tropezón / tropezar).
Milestones – (noun) significant events or achievements marking progress in a process (hitos).
Judgment-free zone – (noun phrase) a space where people are not criticized or judged (zona libre de juicios).
Momentum – (noun) the strength or force that keeps something moving or growing (ímpetu).
Tackling – (verb) dealing with or addressing a problem or challenge (abordar).
Critic – (noun) a person who evaluates or finds faults in someone or something (crítico).
Stepping stones – (noun phrase) small steps or actions that lead to achieving a goal (escalones / peldaños).
Roadblocks – (noun) obstacles that prevent progress (obstáculos).
Celebrate small wins – (verb phrase) to acknowledge and enjoy small achievements (celebrar pequeñas victorias).
Ditch the harsh critic. – (sentence) Stop being overly critical of yourself (Deja de ser demasiado crítico contigo mismo).
