Speaking English as a second language can sometimes feel nerve-wracking, especially when you’re talking to your classmates or answering questions in class. It’s totally normal to feel anxious, but don’t let that stop you! Your time at university or school is a great opportunity to overcome this anxiety and become more confident in your ability to communicate in English.
What is language anxiety?
Language anxiety happens when you feel nervous or worried about using a language you’re still learning. You might be afraid of making mistakes, being judged, or simply not being understood. This anxiety can show up when you’re speaking, reading or even writing in English. You might feel your heart race, your palms sweat, or you might even avoid using the language altogether. It’s okay to feel like this — you’re not alone. The good news is that with some strategies and practice, you can reduce these feelings and become more comfortable communicating in English.
Here are seven strategies to overcome your language anxiety on campus:
Understand the spotlight effect
One big reason we feel anxious when speaking English is because we think everyone is paying attention to us. This is known as the “spotlight effect.” In reality, most people are not as focused on you as you might think. People are usually more focused on their own thoughts and actions, not on looking for your mistakes. Knowing this can help you relax a little. When you stop worrying so much about what others might think, you can speak more freely and make mistakes without feeling embarrassed. Remember, everyone makes mistakes — it’s part of learning!
Start small
Speaking in front of a large group or giving a presentation can be intimidating. To ease into it, start by having small, informal conversations with friends or classmates who make you feel comfortable. You can talk about things you already know well. Gradually, you can move on to more challenging situations. Psychologist Albert Bandura suggests that mastering small, easy tasks first will help build your confidence over time. As you continue to practice and gain experience, speaking in more difficult situations will become less scary.
Watch others
When you’re in class or a group discussion, take the time to observe how others handle speaking challenges. You’ll see that everyone has moments where they forget words, make a grammatical mistake, or need to pause and think. This is completely normal! People don’t get upset or embarrassed about it. Instead, they just correct themselves and keep going. By watching how others react to their own mistakes, you’ll learn that no one is perfect. This can help you feel less pressure to be perfect yourself, and you’ll see that mistakes are just part of the learning process.
Be flexible with yourself
Trying to speak perfectly can actually increase your anxiety. Instead of focusing on being flawless, shift your attention to improving little by little. It’s okay if you don’t sound exactly like a native speaker. The most important thing is that people can understand you. Australians, for example, are used to hearing a variety of accents, since the country is so multicultural. Don’t worry about fitting into a specific ‘ideal’ of how you should sound. Embrace your accent, and focus on communicating clearly. The more you practice, the stronger you’re speaking skill will become.
Practice regularly
The saying “practice makes perfect” is true when it comes to language learning. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. If you have an upcoming presentation or discussion, make sure to start preparing ahead of time. Record yourself speaking and listen to it. This can help you identify areas you want to improve. You can also ask a friend or classmate for feedback to get a fresh perspective. If you’re struggling with pronunciation, there are plenty of online tools and resources that can help. The key is to practice regularly and focus on steady improvement, not perfection.
Be kind to yourself
It’s easy to get frustrated or discouraged when things don’t go perfectly, but it’s important to be kind to yourself. Learning a new language is a journey, and you’re doing great! Instead of focusing on mistakes, take a moment to reflect on how much progress you’ve made. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Remember, every time you face a challenge and keep going, you’re getting better. Learning a language isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making progress and feeling proud of your growth.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone has challenges, and reaching out for support is a smart way to improve. Talk to your classmates, friends, or even your teacher. They’re there to help you and will likely to offer encouragement and helpful advice. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Asking for help is a great way to learn faster and feel more connected to others in your class.
Final thoughts
Speaking in English, especially in front of others, can be scary at first. But by taking small steps, staying patient with yourself, and practicing regularly, you’ll find that you get more confident and less nervous over time. AXIS Institute is a supportive environment where you can grow at your own pace, and these tips can help you along the way.
Remember, you don’t need to be perfect. Just keep trying, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You’ve got this!