Many English learners feel stressed or anxious when they need to speak in English, especially in social settings, classrooms, or workplaces. In our recent webinar, we explored the reasons behind language anxiety in English learners, common myths about learning English, and practical ways to build communication confidence.
Let’s break down the key points we shared.
Why Do English Learners Experience Language Anxiety?
Many international students have said things like:
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“I understand English, but I can’t speak it.”
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“My mind goes blank when I try to talk.”
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“I’m afraid of making mistakes in front of others.”
These feelings are caused by:
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Fear of judgment or being laughed at
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Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
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Fast speech or unfamiliar accents
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Negative past experiences with language learning
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Low self-confidence in using English
This leads to language anxiety, where your body tenses up and your brain freezes even when you know the words.
Myths That Increase Language Anxiety
Here are some common misconceptions that make things worse:
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“Everyone in the UK speaks only English.”
➤ In fact, over 300 languages are spoken in the UK. -
“There’s one standard English accent.”
➤ There are more than 56 regional accents across the UK. -
“My English is the problem.”
➤ Communication is a two-way street. Both sides must listen, adapt, and respect.
These myths create pressure and increase language anxiety in English learners.
Embrace Your Language Identity
Today, non-native English speakers outnumber native speakers. There’s no reason to feel like an outsider.
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Your accent is part of who you are.
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Being multilingual is a superpower.
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You don’t need to sound “perfect” to be an effective communicator.
Easy Techniques to Reduce Language Anxiety
Here are some simple actions you can take right away:
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Ask people to slow down or repeat what they said
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Use words and phrases you already know well
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Paraphrase to make sure you understood correctly
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Record yourself speaking and review it to improve
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Practice speaking regularly not just passively listening
Fluency comes from intentional, active practice, not just from living in an English-speaking country or passing an exam.
How English Therapy Can Help You
At English Therapy, we help learners overcome language anxiety through:
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Personalised lesson plans and self-study materials
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Confidence-building activities that focus on real-life speaking
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Flexible scheduling with experienced teachers
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A supportive learning environment where your voice matters
We understand the emotional side of language learning. That’s why we combine English instruction with techniques that reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence.
Want to hear all the tips, insights, and strategies shared in our session?
Watch the full video of the webinar below and take the next step toward speaking English with confidence.