By studying the language, you master some grammar nuances and some slipping differences of words meaning, here you are already reading the literature in the original, and you do not even wait for the voice interpreter of the next series of your favorite soap opera, mmm ... full pleasure. However, as soon as you meet a native speaker, you immediately come to the "stuper", you feel choked in and numbness, well, you understand what is meant, isn’t it?

Such an English-speaking stranger that "calls us to reply" may be anyone:

• a tourist that is looking for his way;
• a prospective client or business partner, a personal conversation with whom could widen your professional boundaries;
• a new fan in social networks.

Anyone! And here is important at this very moment not to be silent.

What is it? Language barrier? Why is this happening?

Our partner Red Arrow Studio in preparing for the international tests of English language IELTS, represented by the teacher Helen Kupriyanova, agreed to comment on the situation and give her recommendations of the best means how to conquer your fear of speaking English.

The fear of speaking English is fear of no typical situation. Therefore, it happens, you get blocked, because of lack of such an experience. This fear means you are afraid to make a mistake. You are so afraid to seem funny, stupid, incompetent, that you prefer just nodding or smiling. The brave guys enter into a conversation with 'Yes' and 'No'. Is it a common situation with you?

For all these fears and excuses here is the universal decision – you should start speaking!

The fear and caution lies in speaking slowly or with an accent (that is, you do not like how you sound in another language). In your head, you "sound" great, but in reality ... like an old analogue audio recording.

The fear lies in misunderstanding of your talk partner. This item combines all of the above mentioned. "My speed of speaking, multiple errors, all these do not contribute to mutual understanding." As for me, the last phobia is quite trivial. After all, you can always ask to repeat or rephrase. All that is needed it is to learn 2-3 short request phrases in English. You will spend 10 minutes for learning these phrases, and you will use them all your life all the time). Yes, those phrases are in use during all your life, because even if your English improves greatly, there will always be a word, a phrase, an idiom, a phrasal verb, and even an accent that you cannot understand right away.

Leave the fear! The truth is that your talk partner does not guess about it, it is in your head.

Put yourself in his position. He needs help, he is looking for communication, is interested in cooperation, etc. With or without errors, no difference.

To start speaking English, you have at least three scenarios to choose between:

1. Exhale and talk with mistakes, helping yourself with gestures including the entire arsenal of mimics. Surely, the talk partner will immediately understand that you do not know the language very well. But this is not the main thing. Above all that is he can understand you, the dialogue happens with you, and you get a precious practice and experience (thumbs up!).
2. To be nervous, concerned and think long over each word. Finally, you squeeze out a complex, grammatically correct and graceful phrase. Everything looks fine. But you are almost guaranteed to lose your talk partner.
3. Fill in the mini-template of the learned phrases or prepare for the upcoming dialogue (of course, for spontaneous situations, it will not work 100%, but will give you a confidence).

Obviously, the first way is better. And the more you talk to native speakers, the better your speech gets. This is the best conversational skill that you can get, and in the future improve, otherwise it will not work out.

There is only a tiny problem ... Where to get so much practice?

Beginners and English learners at the middle level should:

• Simulate, i.e. repeat and mimic phrases heard in podcasts, movies, tracks and textbooks. To overestimate such practice is impossible.
• Watch a video with a suitable pace of speech. Especially the favorite ones. And, of course, do not jump over three steps. Choose the video thoroughly.
• Find a Skype / Viber / Whatsup talk partner. This is a fun and effective way to "upgrade" your English. Find groups in social networks or services in which people from all over the world leave their requests. Respond to them and listen to a lively speech. Make a registration for free lessons in speaking practice (preferably with a native speaker), like Speaking Club. Perhaps such a practice will be enough to get rid of speaking English fear.

Or maybe you're the lucky one who knows English pretty well and can tell a couple of jokes or talk about the topic of friendship between a man and a woman?

What is the way to overcome the bits and pieces of the language barrier? There is only one possible decision for you: to get into full language immersion. Your try to do it at home on your own leaves doubts to be succeed.

Vacation in an English-speaking country

But let's be frank: most likely you will go on holiday with your family or partner, and speak most of your time in your native language. And all your practice of speaking in English lies in only with sellers of souvenirs. Doubtful practice.

Immersion into the language environment

A good choice: to go abroad and combine a short language program with travelling in an English-speaking country. Taking into account my personal experience and the experience of my students, I can say that you will get your accent corrected and will be learnt of true speaking language and your fears will disappear.

The best way to make a right choice of a program, school and even country for such a language immersion is to make a request to professionals, to those who has already reviewed and tested them personally, who can organize effective immersion and recommend needed activities taking into account a rational use of time.

The recommendations are prepared by Helen Kupriyanova , the teacher of Red Arrow Studio.

The StudySo team can professionally assist you with the choice of the program and the school you need, which will fit your goals and needs. In case you have already a good command of the English language, you can make a request to Red Arrow Studio that can provide you with a good preparation for an international IELTS test at a proper level.

We look forward to further communication with you!

Learn and Be Successful!