Learning a new language can be exciting, but it can also be somewhat disappointing if you find that, after a short while, you’re saying “um” and “uh” more than any of the new words you’ve learned. While these filler words are acceptable, they may not allow you to express yourself clearly.
You always feel unsure of your abilities when talking in a new language. The experience is similar to using a new skill for the first time; it is always unnerving. The struggle is usually because you doubt yourself more than your lack of understanding of the subject. Hence, it’s important to focus on learning, whether taking classes or learning at home.
Often people find it nerve-wracking to have the first conversation with a native or fluent speaker. Mostly because you’re scared they will make fun of you if you speak wrong. You might stumble over the negation, the correct prefix, or how your accent affects the idea you’re trying to convey. However, if you never converse in the language, you’ll never be able to master it; and if you don’t stop doubting yourself, you’ll never be able to start a conversation. So, what can you do to encourage yourself to speak a foreign language without hesitation?
Here are some tips on improving your foreign language confidence
- Don’t be shy!
While it’s easier said than done, a few tips and a motivational pep talk can boost your confidence.
Speak, hear and read as much as possible in the language you’re learning. Talk to the natives, watch videos or series, read articles, newspapers, and anything you can find. All of this will help you acquire language acquisition. Once you are able to think in that language, you will be able to express yourself better in that language.
You may also want to know what you should (and shouldn’t) do with your body since most of your emotions are expressed through your body. Once you’ve enough grasp on the language, you can shift to perfecting your accent and speaking confidently in a foreign language.
- Put your body to work!
Let’s start with body language.
Perhaps you are wondering, “What do my body language and speaking a foreign language have in common?”
Our body language greatly influences behavior. In fact, many studies have found a strong correlation between the two. You will gain confidence when speaking another language if you work on your body language.
- Fake it until you make it
When we lack confidence, what should we do? Compared to our faces, our body language conveys a lot more information. Instead of occupying as much space as we normally would, we slouch, speak softly, and stop making eye contact. Even if you don’t stop smiling, you may develop an uncomfortable look on your face, making everyone feel uncomfortable.
Next time you have a conversation, observe your behavior. Is your gaze steady? Is your voice loud and clear? How about your posture? Are you standing straight or slouched? There are a few things you should consider the next time you intend to speak a foreign language.
Make it a habit to maintain eye contact (unless doing so is frowned upon in your cultural context), and try not to fidget or shrink your body as you talk. The more control you have over a situation, the more likely you will act this way. When you start to question what you are saying, your tone of voice will change, and you will be unable to carry on a meaningful conversation.
It is important to overcome any instinctual physical expressions of doubt.
- Maintain “appropriate” eye contact
It’s all about striking a balance between too much and not enough eye contact – it should be just right! Your gaze should not be shifty or uncertain. Breaking eye contact now and then during a conversation is fine. Instead of looking into the other person’s eyes too often, take a moment to switch from one thing to another, then back again.
And don’t forget to smile!
- Consider these “handy” tips
Don’t fidget with your hands or stuff into your pockets. If you’re nervous, keep yourself calm by interlocking your fingers (if necessary, behind your back!)
Alternatively, you can try holding something in your hands that won’t cause a distraction. Public speakers often do this to avoid awkward moments when they don’t know what to do with their hands.
- Choose your words wisely
The most important thing to remember is to speak clearly and loudly no matter how incorrect you think you are using or pronouncing a word.
- Be clear
When you get nervous, avoid mumbling when speaking to someone. Remember to enunciate when you speak so that you can know for sure when you are too quiet. Make sure your voice fills the room (or the area around you). You could pretend you’re talking to your hard-of-hearing grandmother if it helps! At first, you may find it strange, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
You have to act as if you are confident, even if you don’t feel that way. In other words, “fake it until you make it.” People are usually more than accommodating, so they’ll like helping you, and most of the time, they’ll have fun doing it.
- Don’t be nervous about your accent
No matter how bad you are at it, people love it when you try to learn their language. Don’t worry about sounding stupid. Even if your accent sounds a little silly, just enjoy yourself! You might hear nervous laughter as you speak, but you just laugh it off with everyone else. Most people don’t mean it to tease. Even if it feels personal sometimes, don’t let it get to you.
Unexpected things can be hilarious, and people don’t expect to hear their language slurred with a heavy accent, especially in their own country. People are often not laughing at you; they are just reacting to a new situation. Join them in their laughter and say more!
Usually, if you’re genuinely trying to learn, most people will gladly help you. You’re working hard, and people appreciate that, especially when it’s so easy to switch to English when things get difficult.
Sometimes you realize that you know more than you think, but you are too self-conscious to admit it. Don’t hesitate to speak or don’t think too much. You will undoubtedly say the wrong thing in the right way or the right thing in the wrong way at times. It’s inevitable. It’s all part of the learning process.
You should stop filling the silence with filler words while trying to remember some grammatical structure or the correct placement of a preposition. Speak your new words, and let them flow. It will be fun for you, for them, and you may even meet a few new friends as you learn and feel free to speak.
Conclusion
Don’t forget what you learned here next time you speak another language. Stand up straight, and address your conversation partner. It takes time, effort, and practice to master a new language and gain confidence.
If you stop being afraid of speaking a foreign language, you’ll open the door to all sorts of new experiences and people. You’ll find opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise had.
It’s okay to be a little silly: do that with confidence, and you’ll soon find that you make fewer mistakes than you thought.
Pay attention to these aspects regardless of whether they seem obvious. Slowly but surely, you will gain confidence.
