10 Tips on how to be confident to speak in English

Scared? People always mocking you? Trouble grammatical errors? Well, don’t worry because you’re not alone :) In this entry, I’m glad to share some tips that I thought might be beneficial to all of you especially for the new English Learner on how to be confident to speak in English.

1.     Try to get out from your comfort zone. What I mean is try to do something that you are not used to become your habits. It’s weird and sometimes could be difficult to listen to English radio because you have to focus on it so you will get what it’s all about. Keep practice until you nailed it.

2.     You can also practice by watching English movies without having subtitles laying at the bottom of the movies. It’s quite difficult at the beginning but trust me, this method really works. Interesting but not too heavy movie like ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ would do.

3.     Like it or not, you have to practice to speak in English regularly. When you know the new words, use it right away so it will stay longer in your memory. At the same time, it can enhance and enrich your vocabulary. 

4.     Everyone is afraid to make grammatical errors. Well, in order for you to be able speak fluently in English, don’t study grammar too much, even native English speakers make grammar mistakes. Fluency is all about being able to communicate well. I don’t simply mean that grammar is not significant, just don’t overthink about it or it will complicate you even more. Remember, always do what you’re afraid to do.

5.     Most important is do not afraid to make mistakes. Yes I know, sometimes it could be difficult to put all those rules that we had learned and words together into simple sentences. Past tense, present continuous tense, past perfect tense, all of that have their own rules. Don’t let the fear of saying something wrong stops you from speaking at all.

6.     Everyone could be your teacher. You can’t only rely on the textbooks to understand grammar and your English teacher to practice speak in English. Anyone who can speaks English well can help you to practice. Find friends that will not underestimate your English level but the ones who will pat your back and say ‘when you need help, you can always come to me’. 

7.     Read, watch and listen to English in many different context. Read more English novels, English cooking books to help you understand better about English. Watch English movies like ‘The Last Song’ and ‘The Best of Me’ so you can learn how to pronounce certain words that you’re not familiar with. Listen to English songs more frequently and if you don’t understand it, look for the lyrics. This way may helps you to develop your senses so you will gain more confident and motivation to speak in English. Nothing you read, watch and listen to is useless.

8.     Find way to increase your vocabulary. A mind full of it will never come to you by simply sitting and doing absolutely nothing. You want it, then you have to work for it.

9.     If you shy and felt intimidated when spoke in front of the audience, you can practise to talk to yourself first. Many people built their self-confidence by talking in front of the mirror because only mirror will not laugh at you when you make mistakes. There’s no pressure to be perfect and the best part is nobody will hear your mistakes.

10.      The key to be able to speak with confident in English is don’t give up, keep yourself educated and never stop learning. If you’re not willing to learn, no one can help you. But if you‘re determine then no one can stop you.

An advice from me, no matter how many mistakes that you make or how slow you progress, remember, you’re always ahead of everyone who isn’t trying :). Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Fall down seven times, stand up eight. Best of luck!