Why speaking English is hard
and what to do about it
Hello!
Which is more difficult: speaking or writing?
This week, I’ve been talking to my Facebook audience about which is more difficult: speaking or writing.
Most people said speaking was harder.
In some ways, this surprised me. When I taught in a language school, my students loved speaking and hated writing! I couldn’t get them to do their writing homework!
In other ways, I’m not surprised.
I know speaking English can be scary!
You don’t want to make mistakes.
You think people will judge you or laugh at you.
You have to think about so many things all at once - your message, the grammar, finding the right words, the pronunciation - just to get one sentence out of your mouth!
When I lived in Poland, speaking Polish was the scariest thing, especially talking to people I didn’t know.
The biggest problem with speaking ISN’T usually your knowledge of the language. It’s not your grammar or vocabulary that holds you back.
The BIGGEST problem is a lack of confidence or a fear of speaking.
There are other reasons too, of course, like a lack of practice opportunities, not enough time to think, and forgetting the words. But a lot of it is about overcoming your negative feelings.
The best way to get past the fear is to just do the scary thing! Feel the fear and do it anyway! If you wait until you feel ready to speak, you’ll never do it.
And the more you speak, the more your confidence will increase.
She Speaks English
I have a programme for professional women called “She Speaks English”.
In this programme, we don’t just work on language skills. I also help you change the way you think and feel about English so that speaking no longer feels so scary.
Do any of these sound like you?
💙 I want to feel more comfortable using English at work - talking to customers, writing emails, speaking up in meetings and just making small talk in the office.
💙 I want to talk to colleagues and clients in English without feeling nervous or awkward all the time.
💙 I want to join conversations and express myself more easily and confidently.
💙 I want to take the next steps in my career and not let my English hold me back.
If this is the transformation you’re dreaming of, my programme is designed to help you get exactly these results!
You can read more about it here:
Please note that my programme is specifically for professional women.
If that’s not you, we can talk about other options.
Facebook groups
Whether you’re ready to join my programme or not, you don’t have to practise English alone!
You’re always welcome to join one of my Facebook groups:
I have TWO Facebook groups:
1) The first is for WOMEN ONLY.
This is a small group where you can connect with other women working on their English.
There’s a free Zoom session tomorrow but you have to be in the group to get the details!
I’ll say it again: this group is for WOMEN ONLY, please!
Women can join this group here.
2) The second group is EVERYONE.
Men and women, anyone of any gender can join this group! There are lots of active members and we have some interesting conversations.
You can join this group here.
See you next week!
Katie
PS I also have a second newsletter which is aimed at professional women who want to use English at work. If that’s you, you can sign up here.
It is very interesting lesson. What you mentioned is right. As to me it is not writing but speaking is more difficult.
I am man, how I can be good speaker