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The Simplest Way to Overcome Speaking Anxiety in a Foreign Language
The moment I prioritized daily speaking practice, the barriers that held me back from fluency began to crumble
Speaking Anxiety and You
Everyone struggles with speaking in a second language.
I’ve studied languages for over 10 years and still do in certain situations. But when I first started speaking, I’d practice what I wanted to say over and over in my head, then freeze up mid-conversation. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. My heart was pounding in my ears so loud that I forgot everything I wanted to say.
It was always the same. Whether it was a conversation with classmates, something official at the doctor’s office, or even ordering coffee. I’d muster up all my courage to say something. I’d get tongue-tied and embarrassed a few words in. Then since I said the wrong thing, feel like my speaking partner was annoyed with me because I made a mistake.
Other times, I would be ready to jump into the conversation only to realize that the conversation moved on to another topic without me. So, I’d slump back in my chair and let friends who were stronger in the language do more of the heavy lifting.
