How to Build Confidence in Speaking English ? | 🎧 English on the Go! | Beginner

byIm Brian • • 2 min read
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TRANSCRIPT (Link download file in below)

# Introduction to the Episode

Host Alex: Welcome back, everyone! It's always great to have you here with us. We're here to help you practice and improve your English skills step by step. So, get comfortable and ready to learn something new with us today!

# Introduction to the Topic

Host Alex: In this episode, we'll be exploring a common problem that many English learners face: understanding English but finding it difficult to speak it. Our two friends, Lisa and Tom, will talk about this issue and share their experiences. Lisa has been learning English for a while and understands it pretty well, but she feels shy and nervous when she tries to speak. Tom has some useful advice to help her—and maybe you too! By listening to their conversation, you'll learn some tips on how to build confidence and start speaking English more comfortably.

# Pre-listening Questions

Host Alex: Before we jump into the conversation, think about these questions: Have you ever found it easier to understand English than to speak it? What do you think makes speaking English difficult for you? Consider these questions as you listen to Lisa and Tom's discussion.

# Conversation

Lisa: Tom, I really don’t get it. I can understand English when I read or listen, but when it’s time to speak, I just freeze up!

Tom: I get you, Lisa. Speaking can be the hardest part. It’s normal to feel this way. Why do you think you freeze up?

Lisa: I guess I’m afraid of making mistakes. I don’t want people to laugh at me.

Tom: That's a common fear. But remember, everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. It's part of the process!

Lisa: I know, but it's embarrassing. When I try to speak, I forget all the words I know.

Tom: It’s okay to forget words. Start with simple sentences. And here’s a tip: try talking to yourself in English when you’re alone. It’s a good practice!

Lisa: Talk to myself? Like... in front of a mirror?

Tom: Yes! Or when you're doing things around the house. Describe what you're doing. It helps you think in English and get used to speaking.

Lisa: Hmm, I never thought of that. But what if I don’t know how to say something?

Tom: If you don’t know a word, use simple language to explain it. Or, you can look up new words later. The important thing is to keep trying.

Lisa: Okay, but I still feel shy around other people.

Tom: That’s okay. Start with small steps. You can join an English-speaking group or find a language partner online. Start with short conversations.

Lisa: You mean like just saying "hello" or "how are you"?

Tom: Exactly! The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. That's how we learn.

Lisa: You’re right. I’ll start with small steps and talk to myself in English. Maybe I’ll even try joining a group.

Tom: Great idea, Lisa! And remember, have fun with it. Speaking English should be enjoyable, not stressful.

Lisa: Thanks, Tom. I feel a bit better now. I’ll give it a try.

# Vocabulary Analysis

Host Alex: Let's go over some key vocabulary from the conversation.

  1. Freeze up – It means to become so nervous that you can't speak or act. For example, "I freeze up when I have to speak in front of a big group."
  2. Embarrassing – This describes something that makes you feel shy or uncomfortable. For example, "It's embarrassing when I forget someone's name."
  3. Describe – This means to say what something or someone is like. For example, "Can you describe your favorite book?"
  4. Practice – This means to do something repeatedly to get better at it. For example, "You need to practice speaking English every day."
  5. Confident – This means feeling sure about yourself and your abilities. For example, "You will become more confident if you practice often."

Host Alex: Listen to the conversation again. This time, try to identify these words as you listen.

# Comprehension Questions

Host Alex: Now, let's think about the conversation you just heard. See if you can answer these questions:

  1. Why does Lisa find it hard to speak English?
  2. What advice does Tom give Lisa about practicing speaking English?
  3. How does Tom suggest Lisa should handle words she doesn't know?
  4. What small steps does Tom recommend Lisa start with?
  5. What new practice is Lisa planning to try after talking to Tom?

# Subscribe Call-to-Action

Host Alex: If you’re enjoying our podcast and finding it helpful, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You'll get all the latest episodes and more tips for learning English!

# Post-listening Questions

Host Alex: Let's take a moment to reflect on what we learned. What do you think is the most challenging part of speaking English for you? How can you apply Tom's tips to your own English practice?

# Conclusion

Host Alex: Thanks for joining us today! Remember, speaking English is a journey, and it's okay to take small steps. We've prepared a special free PDF for this episode, full of useful tips and vocabulary to help you learn more. Make sure to check it out! Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. We'll see you next time on "English on the Go!"

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EXERCISE 

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-Blanks

Listen to the podcast and fill in the blanks with the correct words:

  1. Lisa says she can __________ English but finds it hard to speak.
  2. Tom suggests that making __________ is a normal part of learning a new language.
  3. Tom advises Lisa to start speaking with __________ sentences.
  4. To practice, Tom suggests talking to __________ in English when alone.
  5. Lisa feels __________ when she forgets words while speaking.
  6. Tom suggests using __________ language if you don't know a specific word.
  7. Lisa plans to start with small steps, like saying "__________" or "how are you?"
  8. Tom mentions that the more you __________, the more confident you'll become.
  9. Speaking English should be __________, not stressful, according to Tom.
  10. Lisa feels a bit __________ after the conversation with Tom.
    11. Answer Key

    Answer Key

    1. understand

    2. mistakes

    3. simple

    4. yourself

    5. embarrassed

    6. simple

    7. hello

    8. practice

    9. enjoyable

    10. better

Exercise 2: Vocabulary Matching

Match the words from the podcast with their correct meanings:

  1. Freeze up
  2. Embarrassing
  3. Describe
  4. Practice
  5. Confident

a. To become so nervous that you can't speak or act
b. To say what something or someone is like
c. To do something repeatedly to get better at it
d. Feeling sure about yourself and your abilities
e. Making you feel shy or uncomfortable

Answer Key

1. a

2. e

3. b

4. c

5. d

Exercise 3: True or False

Listen to the podcast and decide whether the following statements are true or false:

  1. Lisa finds it easy to speak English in front of others.
  2. Tom suggests that making mistakes is not normal when learning a new language.
  3. Lisa plans to start with complex sentences right away.
  4. Tom suggests talking to yourself in English as a way to practice.
  5. Lisa feels better after talking to Tom about her problem.

    6. Answer Key

    1. False

    2. False

    3. False

    4. True

    5. True

Exercise 4: Comprehension Questions

Answer the following questions based on the details in the podcast:

  1. What is the main reason Lisa struggles with speaking English?
  2. What practice method does Tom suggest Lisa try when she's alone?
  3. How does Tom advise Lisa to handle words she doesn't know?
  4. Why does Tom recommend Lisa start with short conversations like saying "hello"?
  5. What is Lisa planning to try after talking to Tom?

    6. Answer Key

    1. She is afraid of making mistakes and feels shy.

    2. Talking to herself in English when alone.

    3. Use simple language to explain or look up the word later.

    4. To build confidence and make speaking less intimidating.

    5. She plans to start talking to herself in English and try joining a group.

Exercise 5: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer for each question:

  1. What is Lisa afraid of when she tries to speak English?
    a. Speaking too fast
    b. Making mistakes
    c. Understanding others
  2. What does Tom suggest Lisa do if she doesn't know how to say something?
    a. Stop talking
    b. Use simple language or look up the word later
    c. Ask someone else
  3. What small step does Tom recommend to Lisa to build her confidence?
    a. Joining a long English conversation
    b. Speaking only in front of large groups
    c. Saying simple things like "hello" or "how are you?"
  4. According to Tom, what is the most important thing when practicing speaking English?
    a. Never making mistakes
    b. Speaking perfectly
    c. Keeping on trying
  5. How does Lisa feel at the end of the conversation?
    a. Worried
    b. Motivated
    c. Confused

Answer Key

1. b. Making mistakes

2. b. Use simple language or look up the word later

3. c. Saying simple things like "hello" or "how are you?"

4. c. Keeping on trying

5. b. Motivated


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