How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety While Speaking English as a Non-Native Speaker

Many non-native English speakers experience feelings of frustration, pressure, and insecurity when they are compelled to speak in English. The stakes and stress can feel even higher when they need to present in English, as the need for leaders to be able to present in English is growing rapidly. According to Harvard Business School Associate Professor Tsedal Neely, author of The Language of Global Success, “English is required for global collaboration and global work.” However, being forced to communicate in a non-native language can lead to feelings of diminished self-worth, regardless of their actual value to the company. The concerns of finding the right words and speaking spontaneously can be overwhelming, and if these concerns interfere with the willingness or ability to make business presentations, the impact can be career-limiting. In this article, we will discuss practical tips and tricks to overcome fear and anxiety when speaking English as a non-native speaker.

Identify the Sources of fear and Anxiety

Identifying the sources of fear and anxiety when speaking English as a non-native speaker is crucial in overcoming them. Here are some common sources of fear and anxiety that non-native speakers may experience when speaking English:

• Fear of failure: Making mistakes can feel like failure, and this fear can hold non-native speakers back from speaking English.
• Fear of being misunderstood: Non-native speakers may worry that their message will not be understood by the listener, leading to feelings of frustration and insecurity.
• Fear of grammar mistakes: Non-native speakers may feel self-conscious about their grammar mistakes, which can lead to anxiety and fear of speaking.

Other possible causes of anxiety when speaking English include communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of not being understood. To overcome these fears and anxieties, non-native speakers can try practical tips such as identifying their exact fears, talking to themselves first, and relaxing before speaking. Joining a community of language learners who are supportive can also help remove some of the anxiety around speaking English. Finally, practicing regularly and speaking English as much as possible can help non-native speakers become more confident and comfortable speaking English.

Ways to Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Overcoming fear and anxiety when speaking English as a non-native speaker can be challenging, but there are practical tips and tricks that can help. Here are some ways to overcome fear and anxiety when speaking English:

1. Identify your exact fears: Before starting a conversation, try talking to yourself first and explaining that there is no real reason to be scared. Start the conversation without fear and remind yourself that fear is not rational and will only hold you back from your goal, which is to speak.
2. Join a community: Joining a community of language learners who are supportive can help remove some of the anxiety around speaking English. These communities can be really supportive and can help non-native speakers become more confident and comfortable speaking English.
3. Speak calmly: When speaking English, try to speak calmly and use simple words and phrases. Listen to understand, then respond, and do away with self-criticism. Practice speaking English regularly to build confidence.
4. Practice listening: Practicing listening can help non-native speakers become more comfortable with the language and improve their ability to understand and respond to others.
5. Let go of the need for perfection: Non-native speakers should let go of the need for perfection and accept that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Be patient with yourself and work your way up to speaking comfortably and confidently.
6. Visit places where the language is spoken: Living and studying abroad in full immersion is hands-down the best way to overcome the fear of speaking English. Visiting places where the language is spoken as often as possible can also help non-native speakers become more comfortable with the language.

By applying these practical tips and tricks, non-native speakers can overcome their fear and anxiety when speaking English and become more confident and comfortable with the language.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that can help non-native speakers improve their English speaking skills:

1. Tips for teaching English to non-native speakers: These tips include keeping sentences simple, using visual aids, avoiding long lectures, and focusing heavily on oral communication.
2. How to improve your spoken English: This article provides eight tips for improving spoken English, including speaking as much as possible, finding conversation partners, and practicing with native speakers.
3. How to improve English speaking skills and become a great communicator: This resource suggests finding a conversation partner, watching English-language movies and TV shows, and practicing speaking English every day.
4. Language communities to improve your language skills: This article lists seven online language communities where language learners can practice, share resources, and communicate with native speakers to improve their language skills.
5. Tips for presenting in English when you’re not a native speaker: This resource provides three strategies non-native English speakers can employ to help them feel more confident before, during, and after business presentations.
6. Tips on how to overcome fear when speaking a foreign language with native speakers: This resource provides five tips for overcoming fear when speaking a foreign language, including speaking calmly, using simple words and phrases, and practicing regularly.

By utilizing these additional resources, non-native speakers can improve their English speaking skills and become more confident and comfortable with the language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fear and anxiety when speaking English as a non-native speaker are common but can be overcome with practice and perseverance. Identifying the exact fears and concerns is crucial in overcoming them. Joining a community of language learners who are supportive can help remove some of the anxiety around speaking English. Speaking calmly, using simple words and phrases, and practicing regularly can also help non-native speakers become more confident and comfortable speaking English. Understanding the fear, identifying problem areas, and letting go of the need for perfection are other ways to overcome fear and anxiety when speaking English. Finally, visiting places where the language is spoken and living and studying abroad in full immersion can be the best way to overcome the fear of speaking English. By utilizing these tips and tricks, non-native speakers can improve their English speaking skills and become more confident and comfortable with the language.