Picture this: You have finally reached a level in French that makes you feel like you are mastering the language, you understand a lot more in both spoken and written forms, you have studied for so long and you can watch whole movies or read entire books in French. Yet, when you are in a situation where you need to speak, you find yourself incapable to. You get so frustrated that at this point you just want to hide and run away.
Does this sound like you?
I get it. This is tough. This also completely normal!
But, let me reassure you, You've come to the right place.
In this post, you will find practical exercises that you can start implementing in your daily practice right away. I will also break down simple and easy steps that you can take to boost your confidence in conversations.
1. The importance of confidence in language learning
According to a study conducted in 2012, confidence is the best predictor of academic achievement.
In fact, having confidence is crucial when learning something new, because you won't get it right the first time so making mistakes and feeling discouraged by it shouldn't get in the way of learning the new skill you are trying to hone. It is quite the opposite actually, making mistakes is showing what you need to work on in order to improve. You need that phase of trial and error to fine tune your skill. So, shift your mindset, embrace your mistakes and see them for what they truly are: an opportunity for growth and refinement.
2. Practical exercises to build confidence.
In order to build confidence you need a plan of action. Try these following actionable tips, they are a great place to start.
Self-recorded conversations
Imagine you're having a conversation with yourself, and you're the star of the show. Recording yourself talking about a chosen topic can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. The first time might feel a bit awkward, but it's all part of the learning process. Afterward, listen to the recording attentively. Pay close attention to any recurring errors; they're like signposts guiding you toward areas where you can concentrate your efforts. As you correct these mistakes over time, your confidence will naturally grow.
Daily speaking challenges
Challenge yourself daily to speak in the target language. Set small goals, such as introducing yourself, ordering your favorite coffee, or describing your day's activities. This consistent practice not only enhances your language skills but also reinforces your belief in your ability to communicate effectively.
Find a Language Learning Partner
Two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to language learning. Seek out a language learning partner with whom you can converse regularly. The mutual support and shared learning experiences can boost your confidence and motivation. Plus, you'll have someone to celebrate your progress with, making the journey more enjoyable.
Shadowing
Shadowing is a tried-and-true technique that can significantly enhance your language skills. By mimicking native speakers, you'll improve your fluency, speed of speech, and intonation. Shadowing also helps you develop the correct mouth placement, leading to improved pronunciation. Incorporate shadowing into your daily routine, and watch your confidence soar as your language abilities become more polished.
3. Conversation tips for confidence.
Conversations can get very overwhelming especially when they involve more then two speakers. To gain confidence in conversations there are a few tips you can follow.
Active listening
Try to focus on the context and the gist of what's being said, don't try to translate word by word as this is not only exhausting but it's also not effective. Active listening also requires to pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language, intonation, facial expressions, and gestures. Theses cues provide contextual information and deepen overall understanding.
Expanding vocabulary
Acquiring more vocabulary is going to help you greatly as it will be easier to get creative with the target language and help you rephrase when ther is a gap in the communication, so you can overcome any language barrier you may face.
To expand vocabulary, you can learn words with a synonym and an antonym (opposite). This works well as our brains work by association. You can also leanr a few colloquial expressions, starting with the most common ones.
Positive self-talk
I will never say it enough, speaking a new language is hard because of the "shame" we feel when we do. We feel like we are making a fool of ourselves when really our interlocutor is probably impressed with us trying to master a language that's not ours. But the shame we feel is a learned behavior; take kids for exemple, they try and don't ever feel weird trying to speak another language. So, if that shame is learned it CAN be unlearned. Positive self-talk is the voice that's telling helping you shutting down the shame and fear within you. Tell yourself how cool and determined you are, you are awesome!
4. Overcoming common challenges.
Building confidence in language learning involves tackling common challenges head-on. Don't let these obstacles deter you; instead, use them as stepping stones to your linguistic goals. Here's how to overcome some of the most frequent stumbling blocks.
Nervousness: Start with Familiar Topics
Nervousness is a natural response when speaking a new language, especially in the beginning. To ease those jitters, start your conversations with familiar topics. Discuss your hobbies, interests, or daily routines. When you're comfortable with the subject matter, you'll find it easier to express yourself and gradually build confidence. As you gain more experience, you can gradually delve into more complex discussions.
Lack of Vocabulary: Learn Essential Phrases and Use Them in Context
Dealing with a limited vocabulary can be frustrating, but it's a challenge every language learner faces. One effective strategy is to focus on essential phrases and expressions relevant to your everyday life. Learn these phrases and use them in context. For instance, if you're learning French for travel, mastering phrases like "Where is the bathroom?" or "I'd like a coffee, please" can be immensely helpful. Additionally, expand your vocabulary by using synonyms and practicing paraphrasing. This not only increases your word bank but also enhances your ability to deal with language barrier and keep the conversation flowing.
Understanding Fast Speakers: Start with Slower Content Fast speakers can be intimidating, even for native speakers of a language. To conquer this hurdle, begin with slower-paced content. Seek out graded materials such as podcasts and YouTube videos specifically designed for language learners. These resources often feature speakers who articulate more slowly and clearly, making it easier for you to digest the language. Gradually, as you become more comfortable, you can progress to content with faster speakers.
Daily Listening Practice: A Must
Consistency is key when it comes to improving your listening skills. Dedicate time each day, even if it's just a few minutes, to listening to your target language. This regular practice helps you become accustomed to the sounds and rhythm of the language. To maximize your learning, consider reading transcripts or turning on subtitles, when watching French content. This dual approach helps reinforce your understanding and allows you to connect spoken words to their written counterparts.
Incorporating these practical exercises and conversational tips into your language learning regimen can make a world of difference in your confidence levels. Remember, confidence grows with practice, so keep pushing your boundaries and celebrating every milestone along the way. With determination and consistent effort, you'll find yourself speaking your new language with newfound assurance in no time.