Simple tips to help international students feel more comfortable speaking English in everyday situations
Do you feel nervous speaking English when native speakers are around? Many international students who speak English as a second language feel this way. They worry about their accent, mistakes, or not understanding everything. But the truth is, native speakers do not expect you to be perfect. You can feel more confident with the right tips. Let’s look at some easy ways to speak English confidently.
1. Ask People to Speak Slower
Sometimes, native speakers talk too fast or use slang that is hard to understand. If this happens, you can ask them to speak more clearly. Here are some simple phrases you can use:
- “Could you speak a bit slower, please? I want to make sure I understand.”
- “I don’t know much slang. Can you explain when you use it?”
Most people will be happy to help if you ask.
2. Use Simple Words
You don’t need big or difficult words to speak well. The most important thing is to communicate clearly. If you forget a word, just explain it in another way.
For example:
- If you don’t remember the word “coaster”, you can say “the thing we put under a cup”
People will understand you!
3. Share Words from Your Culture
Some words from your country don’t have an exact English translation. Instead of changing them, you can teach native speakers new words.
For example:
- Borscht is borscht! You don’t need to say “beetroot soup” because that is not exactly the same. Explain what it is instead. Native speakers enjoy learning about other cultures.
4. Practice in Everyday Situations
The more you speak English, the easier it will be. Try using English when shopping, asking for help, or making small talk with new people. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel.
5. Get Help from experienced Teachers
Learning English is easier when you have support. If you want to improve your speaking skills and feel more confident, check out our English for Life courses. Our teachers can help you practice real-life conversations and teach you simple ways to sound more confident.
Try these tips today and see how much better you feel about yourself.