Episode 9 - Overcoming the Fear of Speaking English!

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Episode 9 - Overcoming the Fear of Speaking English!

Jerry: Hi everyone, welcome to Effortless English Podcasts.
Jerry: Today’s episode is all about overcoming the fear of speaking English.

Luna: If you’ve ever felt nervous or scared to speak English, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Jerry: Before we dive in, here’s a quick reminder.
Jerry: We’ve provided the full transcript for today’s episode.
Jerry: You can find the link in the description below.

Luna: And don’t forget, our channel supports subtitles in multiple languages.
Luna: If you need them, just turn on the CC option.

Jerry: Now, let’s talk about a common problem that many English learners face—fear.
Jerry: Fear of making mistakes, fear of sounding silly, or fear of being judged.

Luna: It’s something we all feel at some point.
Luna: But what causes this fear? And, more importantly, how do we overcome it?

Jerry: In this episode, we’ll explore why people are afraid to speak English.
Jerry: We’ll also share practical tips to help you build your confidence and improve your skills.

Luna: By the end of this episode, you’ll see that speaking English can be less scary than you think.

Jerry: So, grab your headphones, and let’s get started!

Luna: Let’s start by talking about why so many people feel afraid to speak English.
Luna: Jerry, what do you think the biggest reason is?

Jerry: I think it’s fear of making mistakes.
Jerry: Nobody wants to sound like they don’t know what they’re saying.

Luna: Right, and that fear can stop people from even trying.
Luna: They worry they’ll say the wrong word or use the wrong grammar.

Jerry: Exactly, and I think a lot of this fear comes from school.
Jerry: In school, we’re often punished or corrected when we make mistakes.

Luna: That’s true.
Luna: Teachers would say, “No, that’s wrong,” and it felt so embarrassing.

Jerry: Yeah, and that feeling doesn’t go away when we become adults.
Jerry: It sticks with us, making us afraid to try.

Luna: For me, I used to hate speaking English because I thought my accent was weird.
Luna: People would ask me to repeat myself, and it made me feel insecure.

Jerry: I know what you mean.
Jerry: When I was learning to speak Spanish, I was so afraid of messing up.
Jerry: I would avoid speaking at all unless I was 100% sure I was saying it correctly.

Luna: Did it stop you from practicing?

Jerry: Oh, definitely.
Jerry: I once spent weeks memorizing words, but I still didn’t speak to anyone.
Jerry: It felt like all the studying didn’t matter if I couldn’t say a simple sentence.

Luna: That’s so common.
Luna: A lot of people think they need to be perfect before they can start speaking.

Jerry: And here’s the thing—perfection doesn’t exist.
Jerry: Even native English speakers make mistakes all the time.

Luna: Yes, but for some people, the fear isn’t just about mistakes.
Luna: It’s also about being judged or laughed at by others.

Jerry: That’s true.
Jerry: A study I read said that fear of being judged is one of the top reasons people avoid speaking a second language.

Luna: That makes sense.
Luna: If you’ve ever had someone laugh at your English, it’s hard to forget.

Jerry: Definitely, but most people aren’t judging you as much as you think they are.
Jerry: In fact, many people admire you for trying.

Luna: I love that perspective.
Luna: It’s so important to remember that trying is better than staying silent.

Jerry: So, to summarize, fear of mistakes, fear of judgment, and past negative experiences are the biggest reasons people feel afraid to speak English.

Luna: But the good news is, these fears can be overcome.

Luna: Now that we know why people feel scared to speak English, let’s talk about how this fear affects us emotionally.
Luna: Jerry, do you think fear of speaking can stop someone from learning?

Jerry: Absolutely.
Jerry: Fear can create a mental block.
Jerry: When you’re too scared to try, you stop yourself from improving.

Luna: That’s so true.
Luna: For me, when I felt nervous about speaking, it felt like a weight on my shoulders.
Luna: It made me think, “What’s the point of even trying?”

Jerry: And that kind of thinking is very common.
Jerry: I’ve seen data that shows people who are afraid of speaking often feel stuck in their language learning.

Luna: I’ve noticed that fear can also make you avoid opportunities.
Luna: Like, I had friends who didn’t want to travel because they were scared to use English.

Jerry: Yes, and that’s such a shame because they’re missing out on so much.
Jerry: What about you, Luna?
Jerry: How did fear affect your life when you were learning English?

Luna: Oh, it made me overthink everything.
Luna: I would replay conversations in my head, wondering if I said something wrong.

Jerry: That sounds exhausting.
Jerry: Did it make you want to give up?

Luna: Sometimes, yes.
Luna: But I also realized that the fear wasn’t about English itself.
Luna: It was about how I felt about myself.

Jerry: That’s a really important point.
Jerry: Fear of speaking is often tied to self-confidence.

Luna: Exactly.
Luna: If you don’t feel confident in yourself, it’s hard to feel confident in your English.

Jerry: And confidence isn’t something you just get overnight.
Jerry: It takes time and small victories to build.

Luna: Yes, and those small victories matter so much.
Luna: Like the first time I ordered food in English and the cashier understood me.
Luna: It felt amazing.

Jerry: That’s a great example.
Jerry: It shows that facing your fear, even in small ways, can lead to big progress.

Luna: Right, but the key is to be kind to yourself.
Luna: It’s okay to feel nervous.
Luna: It doesn’t mean you’re failing.

Jerry: And it’s important to remember that everyone feels fear sometimes.
Jerry: Even the most fluent speakers were once beginners.

Luna: So, don’t let fear control you.
Luna: Instead, see it as a chance to grow.

Jerry: Well said, Luna.
Jerry: Fear is a challenge, but it’s one that can be overcome with patience and practice.

Jerry: Now let’s talk about solutions.
Jerry: How can we deal with the fear of speaking English?

Luna: I think the first step is to accept that mistakes are normal.
Luna: Nobody speaks perfectly all the time, not even native speakers.

Jerry: That’s true.
Jerry: I’ve seen research that says making mistakes is actually good for learning.
Jerry: It helps your brain remember things better.

Luna: I like that idea.
Luna: It turns mistakes into something positive instead of something to fear.

Jerry: Another strategy is to set small, realistic goals.
Jerry: Instead of trying to have a long conversation, start with one sentence.

Luna: Yes, like saying “Hi, how are you?” to someone in English.
Luna: Once you do that, you’ll feel a little more confident.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: Confidence grows when you take small steps.

Luna: For me, what really helped was practicing by myself first.
Luna: I would stand in front of a mirror and say a few sentences.
Luna: It felt silly, but it worked.

Jerry: That’s a great tip, Luna.
Jerry: Speaking out loud, even when you’re alone, helps your brain get used to the sound of English.

Luna: And if you don’t like practicing alone, find a supportive friend.
Luna: Someone who won’t judge you if you make mistakes.

Jerry: Or even join a language exchange group.
Jerry: It’s a safe space where everyone is learning together.

Luna: Another thing is to change how you think about fear.
Luna: Instead of seeing it as a problem, think of it as a chance to grow.

Jerry: That’s a powerful mindset shift.
Jerry: When I was learning Spanish, I told myself, “Every mistake is a step forward.”

Luna: That’s such a good way to look at it.
Luna: And don’t forget to celebrate your progress, no matter how small it is.

Jerry: Like when you finally pronounce a word correctly, or when someone understands what you’re saying.

Luna: Yes!
Luna: Those moments remind you that you’re improving, even if it feels slow.

Jerry: One more thing—don’t compare yourself to others.
Jerry: Everyone learns at their own pace, and that’s okay.

Luna: Comparing yourself will only make you feel worse.
Luna: Focus on your own journey and your own growth.

Jerry: So, to sum up, accept mistakes, set small goals, practice regularly, and celebrate your progress.

Luna: And most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Luna: Learning a new language is hard, but it’s also an amazing accomplishment.

Luna: Alright, let’s move on to something practical.
Luna: What can people do to improve their English if they feel too nervous to talk to others?

Jerry: Great question.
Jerry: One simple way is to use language learning apps.
Jerry: Apps like Duolingo or Babbel let you practice at your own pace.

Luna: I like that idea.
Luna: You can learn new words and phrases without any pressure.

Jerry: Another thing you can do is listen to English music or watch movies with subtitles.
Jerry: It’s a fun way to improve your listening skills.

Luna: That really works.
Luna: When I was learning, I loved watching English sitcoms.
Luna: I learned so many casual phrases from them.

Jerry: That’s a great tip, Luna.
Jerry: And for people who like reading, try starting with children’s books.
Jerry: They’re simple and use everyday vocabulary.

Luna: Or even comic books!
Luna: The pictures help you understand the story, even if you don’t know every word.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: And once you feel a bit more confident, you can try journaling in English.
Jerry: Write a few sentences about your day, like what you did or how you felt.

Luna: That’s a great way to practice thinking in English.
Luna: And it doesn’t matter if the grammar isn’t perfect.

Jerry: Right.
Jerry: The goal is to get comfortable using the language, not to write an essay.

Luna: For people who prefer speaking, you can try talking to yourself.
Luna: Describe what you’re doing, like, “I’m making coffee,” or “I’m going to the store.”

Jerry: That’s such a simple but effective method.
Jerry: It helps you practice without feeling self-conscious.

Luna: Another idea is to shadow native speakers.
Luna: Listen to what they say and try to repeat it immediately.

Jerry: Yes, shadowing is great for improving pronunciation and intonation.

Luna: One more thing—set a time every day to practice.
Luna: Even just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

Jerry: I completely agree.
Jerry: Consistency is the key to improving any skill, including English.

Luna: And don’t forget, it’s okay to take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
Luna: Resting doesn’t mean you’re giving up.

Jerry: That’s a good point, Luna.
Jerry: Learning English is a marathon, not a sprint.

Luna: So, find the methods that work for you and stick with them.
Luna: Whether it’s apps, movies, books, or talking to yourself, every little bit helps.

Jerry: Absolutely.
Jerry: The more you practice, the closer you’ll get to your goals.

Luna: Now let’s focus on building confidence step by step.
Luna: Jerry, what’s a small action someone can take to feel more confident speaking English?

Jerry: I think starting with easy, everyday phrases is a great first step.
Jerry: For example, practicing how to say “thank you” or “excuse me” when you’re out in public.

Luna: That’s a good one.
Luna: Those are things you can use in real life, even if you’re not having a full conversation.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: Small wins like these can give you a confidence boost.

Luna: Another thing that helped me was learning how to ask simple questions.
Luna: Like, “Where is the bathroom?” or “How much does this cost?”

Jerry: Yes, questions are super useful because they start conversations.
Jerry: And they’re a way to practice without saying too much at once.

Luna: Right, and once you get a reply, even if you don’t understand everything, you’ve already succeeded by asking.

Jerry: That’s true.
Jerry: I also recommend recording yourself speaking.
Jerry: It might feel awkward, but it helps you hear how you sound and where you can improve.

Luna: I’ve tried that before.
Luna: It’s surprising how much it helps you notice little things, like your pronunciation or tone.

Jerry: And don’t forget about practicing with a buddy.
Jerry: Having a language partner makes speaking less intimidating.

Luna: I agree.
Luna: It’s easier to practice when you’re with someone who’s learning too.
Luna: You can support each other instead of feeling judged.

Jerry: Another tip is to prepare in advance for specific situations.
Jerry: For example, if you’re going to a restaurant, think about what you might say beforehand.

Luna: Yes, planning ahead can take a lot of the fear out of speaking.
Luna: It’s like rehearsing for a play.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: And if you don’t know the exact words, just try your best.
Jerry: People are usually kind if they see you’re making an effort.

Luna: That’s so true.
Luna: Most people appreciate it when you try to communicate, even if it’s not perfect.

Jerry: Another great way to build confidence is to celebrate your progress.
Jerry: For example, if you spoke to someone in English today, give yourself credit for that.

Luna: Yes, rewarding yourself is important.
Luna: It keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re getting better.

Jerry: One last tip—don’t let one bad experience hold you back.
Jerry: If something didn’t go well, just try again next time.

Luna: Exactly.
Luna: Every mistake is a chance to learn and improve.

Jerry: So, to sum up, start with small phrases, ask simple questions, and celebrate your progress.
Jerry: Confidence isn’t built in a day, but small steps make a big difference.

Luna: Let’s shift gears a bit and talk about some common mistakes people make when learning English.
Luna: Jerry, what’s one mistake you think a lot of learners fall into?

Jerry: I think the biggest one is aiming for perfection.
Jerry: Many learners feel like they have to speak perfectly, or they shouldn’t speak at all.

Luna: That’s so true.
Luna: It’s impossible to be perfect, especially when you’re still learning.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: Focusing too much on perfection stops people from practicing.
Jerry: And without practice, it’s hard to improve.

Luna: Another mistake I see is spending too much time studying grammar.
Luna: Don’t get me wrong—grammar is important.
Luna: But if you focus only on rules, you’ll never feel confident speaking.

Jerry: That’s a great point, Luna.
Jerry: I’ve read studies that show speaking and listening are the most effective ways to learn a language.

Luna: Right, but some people are afraid to practice speaking because they think their grammar isn’t good enough.
Luna: It’s like they’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to start.

Jerry: And that moment never comes.
Jerry: It’s better to just start speaking, even if your sentences aren’t perfect.

Luna: Exactly.
Luna: Another mistake I’ve noticed is learners trying to memorize long lists of vocabulary.
Luna: It’s not about how many words you know—it’s about how you use them.

Jerry: I completely agree.
Jerry: Instead of learning random words, focus on the ones you’ll actually use in your daily life.

Luna: Like, if you’re traveling, learn phrases like “Can I have this?” or “Where is the train station?”
Luna: Those are much more useful than memorizing words you might never say.

Jerry: Absolutely.
Jerry: Another common mistake is comparing yourself to others.
Jerry: Just because someone else learns faster doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Luna: Yes, comparison can be so discouraging.
Luna: Everyone has their own pace, and that’s okay.

Jerry: One more thing—don’t rely too much on translations.
Jerry: If you always think in your native language first, it’s harder to get comfortable in English.

Luna: That’s a good point.
Luna: Instead of translating, try to think directly in English, even if it feels slow at first.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: It’s a skill that gets better with time and practice.

Luna: Another mistake is not asking for help.
Luna: Some people feel embarrassed to ask questions, but that’s how you learn.

Jerry: Right, and most people are happy to help if you ask.

Luna: So, to recap: don’t aim for perfection, avoid overstudying grammar, and don’t memorize useless words.

Jerry: And don’t compare yourself to others or rely too much on translations.
Jerry: The key is to focus on progress, not perfection.

Luna: Yes, and remember, mistakes are part of the process.
Luna: Every mistake you make gets you one step closer to fluency.

Luna: Now it’s time for some questions from our listeners.
Luna: Jerry, here’s the first question: “I have no time to study because of work and family. What should I do?”

Jerry: That’s a common challenge.
Jerry: My advice is to focus on short but consistent practice.
Jerry: Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

Luna: Yes, like practicing English while doing daily tasks.
Luna: For example, you can listen to English podcasts while commuting or doing chores.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: You can also use apps that let you learn in small chunks.
Jerry: Five minutes here, five minutes there—it adds up over time.

Luna: That’s great advice.
Luna: Okay, next question: “I feel shy speaking English because my accent is very strong. What can I do?”

Jerry: First of all, having an accent is completely normal.
Jerry: Everyone has an accent, even native speakers from different regions.

Luna: Yes, accents are part of who we are.
Luna: Instead of feeling bad about it, focus on speaking clearly.

Jerry: That’s a great point, Luna.
Jerry: Pronunciation matters more than having a “perfect” accent.

Luna: And if you want to improve your pronunciation, try shadowing.
Luna: Listen to native speakers and repeat what they say.

Jerry: Also, record yourself speaking.
Jerry: It helps you hear how you sound and track your progress.

Luna: Definitely.
Luna: Okay, here’s another question: “I don’t have anyone to practice English with. What can I do?”

Jerry: That’s a tough one, but there are solutions.
Jerry: You can join online language exchange groups or find a conversation partner.

Luna: Or, if that’s not possible, try talking to yourself.
Luna: Describe your day or practice phrases out loud.

Jerry: Another idea is to use AI chatbots designed for language practice.
Jerry: They’re available 24/7, so you can practice anytime.

Luna: Yes, those are great tools.
Luna: Okay, last question: “How do I stay motivated when progress feels so slow?”

Jerry: That’s a great question.
Jerry: My advice is to set small, achievable goals.
Jerry: Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small it seems.

Luna: I agree.
Luna: It’s also helpful to remind yourself why you’re learning English.
Luna: Keep your goals in mind, like traveling or advancing your career.

Jerry: And don’t forget to take breaks when you need them.
Jerry: It’s okay to rest if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Luna: Great advice, Jerry.
Luna: So, if you have more questions, leave them in the comments below.
Luna: We’d love to hear from you.

Jerry: We’ve covered a lot today, so let’s do a quick recap.
Jerry: First, we talked about why people feel afraid to speak English—fear of mistakes, fear of judgment, and past negative experiences.

Luna: Yes, and we also discussed how these fears can create emotional blocks and stop us from improving.

Jerry: Then we shared strategies to overcome those fears.
Jerry: Things like accepting mistakes, setting small goals, and practicing regularly.

Luna: And we talked about practical ways to improve English skills, even if you’re too nervous to talk to others.
Luna: Like using apps, listening to music, or watching shows in English.

Jerry: Right, and we also gave tips on how to build confidence step by step.
Jerry: Starting with simple phrases, preparing for specific situations, and celebrating progress.

Luna: Plus, we covered some common mistakes to avoid, like focusing too much on grammar or comparing yourself to others.

Jerry: Exactly.
Jerry: The key takeaway here is that learning English is a journey.
Jerry: It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making progress.

Luna: Yes, and don’t let fear hold you back.
Luna: Every small effort you make brings you closer to fluency.

Jerry: So, whether you’re practicing alone, talking to a friend, or just listening to this podcast, you’re already improving.

Luna: And remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Luna: There are so many people around the world learning English, just like you.

Jerry: That’s right.
Jerry: And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Luna: So, keep going, and don’t give up.
Luna: Learning a language is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Jerry: And it opens up so many opportunities, from travel to career growth to meeting new people.

Luna: Exactly.
Luna: So, be proud of yourself for taking this step and putting in the effort.

Jerry: We believe in you, and we’re so glad you’re here with us today.

Luna: If today’s episode helped you, let us know in the comments.
Luna: Share your thoughts, your struggles, or your tips—we’d love to hear from you.

Jerry: And don’t forget to check the transcript if you need a written version of today’s episode.

Luna: That’s it for our summary.
Luna: Now, let’s wrap things up.

Jerry: That’s all for today’s episode of Effortless English Podcasts.

Luna: We hope you found today’s discussion helpful and inspiring.

Jerry: Remember, fear of speaking English is normal, but it doesn’t have to stop you.

Luna: Every time you practice, you’re taking a step closer to fluency.

Jerry: And don’t forget, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Luna: If you enjoyed today’s episode, let us know by leaving a comment below.

Jerry: And if you have any questions or ideas for future episodes, we’d love to hear them.

Luna: Also, don’t forget to check the description for today’s transcript.
Luna: You can use it to review the key points and practice your reading skills.

Jerry: And if you need subtitles, they’re available in multiple languages.
Jerry: Just click the CC button.

Luna: Thank you so much for joining us today.

Jerry: We’ll see you next time, and until then, keep practicing and stay confident.

Luna: Bye for now!