Practice out loud by yourself. Repeating the new sounds of a language makes them less foreign to you and more natural over time. Do this by yourself in the beginning to building up a new level of comfort.
Record yourself. Get used to the sound of your voice speaking a second language. Recording yourself will likely be uncomfortable at first, but the key is practice and repetition. The more you do it, and then listen back at your voice, the more relaxed you can become.
Get a conversation partner. Before you speak in front of a large group, find a conversation partner with whom you can practice. You can even do this on Skype. Go ahead and tell the person that you are nervous and that your goal is to become more confident. Once you admit it, the hold that fear has on you may weaken.
Do something new in the language every week. Take baby steps. Practice one new thing every week. For example, when I was learning German in Berlin, the first time I ordered food in German by myself was terrifying! But one week, I vowed to do it every day. By the seventh day, it was no problem. (That’s why repetition and practice are important!)
Actively remind yourself. The only way to truly improve in a second language is by using the language. So, remind yourself that you will just have to speak your second language while feeling nervous. Remind yourself of your motivation for learning English or another second language. Allow those reasons to motivate you through your anxiety.
Change your perspective. Yes, you feel nervous when you speak another language, especially in front of other people. Honestly? There are so many worse things in life. Having the freedom and educational opportunity to study is a luxury in this world for so many. For those of us who have access to education and the ability to learn another language have a gift. Think about it; many people don’t even have clean water, enough food to eat or family! So, instead of focusing on your anxiety when practicing language, change your perspective. Feel blessed and lucky to have the ability and opportunity to practice. And then….
Do it afraid. Feel afraid, feel nervous, feel anxious… all of that is human and completely normal. Practice English (or another second language) anyway, while feeling those things. Go for it!
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