How to overcome the language barrier

If you need to say something in a foreign language but suddenly find yourself lost for words and stay silent. If fear freezes you every time, your voice shakes, and you worry about talking nonsense, choosing the wrong words or sounding unnatural — convinced that people will laugh at you.

Here THREE rules, which will help you take the first decisive step and, perhaps, eventually completely get rid of the fear of speaking.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Speech is a skill. One is not born with it, one develops it. Communicate more, take private lessons, find native speakers on platforms like Italki, and at worst, talk to yourself.

Don't be afraid of your accent.

Most often, native speakers find it endearing. And sometimes even praise. No matter how you look at it, both are positive emotions. You communicate more often, you receive positive reinforcement more often, and as a result, your desire to speak grows.

Treat fear with humor.

Even if they said something wrong, and others noticed it, turn on all your charm. And in general, smile more often. A sullen facial expression does not in any way contribute to a pleasant conversation.

And, you yourself understand, the speakers also say funny things and blurt out the wrong things. Do you think they will burn out of shame after this?

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