Hello, lovely learners! It’s Janet from English with Janet here, and today, we’re going to dive into a topic that many of us struggle with—confidence in speaking English. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite good enough, or like you’re holding back in conversations because you’re not 100% confident in your English, this post is for you!
Whether you’ve been learning English for a few months or several years, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure of yourself sometimes. But the great news is, confidence is something you can build, just like any other skill. In this post, I’m going to share why you might not feel confident yet, and more importantly, how to boost your confidence so you can speak English with ease.
Let’s get started!
First, let’s talk about some of the common reasons why you might not feel confident when speaking English. Identifying what’s holding you back is the first step toward overcoming it.
We’ve all been there. You’re about to say something, but then you second-guess yourself. What if I say the wrong word? What if my grammar is off? What if I can’t find the right word and sound awkward? This fear of making mistakes can really stop you from speaking up.
It’s easy to compare yourself to someone who seems more fluent or confident in English. You might feel like you’re not progressing fast enough, or that your accent doesn’t sound “native” enough. This constant comparison can make you feel like you’re not good enough.
You know a lot of English, but sometimes it feels like you can’t fully express yourself. This can make you feel frustrated and less confident. You want to sound natural and use more advanced words, but you might worry about getting stuck or using the wrong ones.
Like any other skill, practice makes perfect (or, as I like to say, progress!). If you don’t get the chance to speak English often, it’s easy to feel unsure when you finally do. You might not have had enough real-life conversations to feel comfortable using English in different situations.
If you’ve had an embarrassing moment when speaking English—maybe someone corrected you harshly, or you misunderstood something—it can stick with you. These past experiences can make you feel nervous about speaking in the future.
Now that we’ve covered why you might be feeling less than confident, let’s focus on the exciting part—building that confidence! It’s absolutely possible to feel more comfortable and assured when you speak English. Here’s how.
The first step is to let go of the idea that you need to speak perfect English. Guess what? No one speaks perfectly! Even native speakers make mistakes all the time. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s communication. Focus on getting your message across rather than trying to avoid every little mistake.
When you shift your mindset to value progress over perfection, you’ll feel less pressure. Each time you speak, you’re improving, even if you make mistakes. Remember, mistakes are part of learning. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become!
Confidence comes from practice. The more you use English, the more natural it will feel. But don’t worry—you don’t need to dive into intense, hour-long conversations right away. Start small!
Even practicing for 10-15 minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.
One of the biggest hurdles to confidence is the fear of making mistakes. But here’s the thing—mistakes are a good thing! Every mistake you make is an opportunity to learn and grow. The more you make, the faster you’ll improve.
Instead of avoiding mistakes, try to embrace them. If you say something wrong, that’s okay! The important part is that you tried. When you notice your mistakes, don’t get discouraged. Take note of them, correct them, and move on.
You’ll find that once you’re okay with making mistakes, you’ll be more willing to speak up, and the fear that holds you back will slowly start to fade.
Everyone’s language-learning journey is different. Some people learn quickly, others take more time, and that’s okay! If you compare yourself to someone who’s more advanced, you’re only setting yourself up for frustration.
Instead, focus on your own progress. Celebrate how far you’ve come, even if it feels like a small step. Maybe you’ve learned a new phrase, had a short conversation, or felt more confident ordering at a restaurant. These wins are all part of your journey.
Remember, confidence doesn’t come from being as good as someone else. It comes from being proud of where you are and excited about where you’re going.
If you’re feeling unsure because you don’t know enough vocabulary or grammar, take the time to strengthen your foundation. You don’t have to learn everything at once—start by focusing on key areas that will help you feel more confident in daily conversations.
Confidence can be contagious! Surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep going and celebrate your efforts. Whether it’s classmates, language partners, or online learning communities, having supportive people around you makes a big difference.
Remember, anyone who is critical or discouraging isn’t helping you grow. Find a community that lifts you up and reminds you that it’s okay to make mistakes as you improve.
It’s easy to focus on what you don’t know or the mistakes you’ve made, but don’t forget to celebrate your achievements! Every step forward is worth recognizing.
Did you have a conversation in English, even if it wasn’t perfect? Celebrate that! Did you learn a new word or finally understand a tricky grammar rule? That’s a win! Confidence grows when you acknowledge how far you’ve come, no matter how small the progress seems.
If you’re not completely confident in your English right now, I want you to know that you’re doing better than you think. Learning a language is a journey, and it’s okay to have moments of doubt. But with practice, a positive mindset, and a willingness to embrace mistakes, your confidence will grow.
Remember, confidence doesn’t come from speaking perfectly—it comes from trying, improving, and being proud of your progress. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t be afraid to speak up. The more you practice, the more natural and enjoyable English will feel.
I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, and I can’t wait to see where you go next. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. You’ve got this!
Until next time,
Janet
English with Janet
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