5 Simple Ways to Feel More Confident in Social Interactions in the UK
Many international students in the UK know English very well but still feel nervous when speaking in real life situations. This is very common and it doesn’t mean your English is bad! Sometimes it’s about confidence, not language. In this blog, we will share 5 simple and effective ways to help you feel more confident in everyday social interactions and become more comfortable in your new environment.
1. Record Yourself Speaking
One great way to feel more confident is to practice speaking at home. Choose an easy topic like the weather, food, transport, or your daily routine. Speak about it for 1-2 minutes and record yourself.
Then, listen to your recording and ask yourself:
- Did I use enough vocabulary?
- Was my pronunciation clear?
- Did I use the correct grammar?
This helps you understand what you need to improve. When you speak about these topics again in real life, it will feel easier because you have already practiced them. Over time, this practice will help you feel more confident during real conversations.
2. Watch British Films
Watching British films or TV shows is not only fun, but it’s also a great way to feel more confident with the culture and language. Choose films that match your interests like comedy, drama, romance, or action.
You will learn:
- How people speak in real life
- Common expressions and slang
- Cultural behaviours and humour
When you understand more about British culture, you will feel more confident when you experience it yourself. Things won’t be as surprising or confusing anymore!
If you have Netflix, type “British movies” or “British TV shows” in the search bar. You can also search for the name of a show or film from the list above. Netflix will show you many options with British accents, culture, and everyday language.
3. Use an English-to-English Dictionary
A good English-to-English dictionary is a simple tool to help you feel more confident with vocabulary and pronunciation. These dictionaries explain words in easy English and show you how to use them in sentences. They also include pronunciation guides.
When you know how to pronounce new words correctly, you are more likely to use them in real life. We recommend the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary for learners like you.
Using this tool often will help you understand and speak English better, and of course, help you feel more confident in conversations.
4. Plan an All-English Evening with Friends
If you spend time with people from your home country and usually speak your first language, try something new: plan an English-only evening!
It might feel strange at first, but it will help you and your friends:
- Practice casual conversations in English
- Use English in a friendly space
- Understand what areas you need to work on
When you make English a normal part of your social life, you will feel more confident speaking it in public and meeting new people.
5. Follow a Learning Plan with a Teacher Every Week
Learning on your own can be hard. That’s why working with a teacher every week can really help you feel more confident in your English. A teacher can:
- Check your progress
- Give you feedback
- Help you learn new words and expressions
- Teach you more about UK culture
Most importantly, a teacher is someone you can talk to regularly. The more you speak English with a teacher, the more you will feel confident speaking it with others.
We offer the English for Life course designed to help you grow your communication skills and confidence. Visit our course page to learn more about how we can help you feel more confident in English.
Confidence doesn’t come overnight, but with small steps and regular practice, you will feel more confident in your social life and daily conversations. Try one or two of these techniques today, and keep going. You’re not alone in this journey.