6 Minute English

Scared to speak English?

95 snips
Jan 22, 2026
Many people feel anxious about speaking a new language, even if they're fluent. The hosts discuss real-life experiences, like nervously ordering coffee, highlighting the common fears faced by learners. They explore the reasons behind speaking anxiety, such as irrational beliefs and fear of judgment. Mistakes are emphasized as a vital part of the learning process, reassuring listeners that challenges are opportunities for growth. Tune in for practical tips to overcome speaking fears and boost your language confidence!
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INSIGHT

Daily Vocabulary Is Much Larger Than You Think

  • A typical English speaker uses about 20,000 to 30,000 words in daily conversation.
  • That range is far higher than the smaller vocabulary many learners expect.
ANECDOTE

Fluent Yet Frozen Ordering Coffee

  • Hanan Razek scored well on an English assessment but still felt nervous speaking in everyday situations.
  • She froze ordering coffee and worried about grammar and pronunciation despite being fluent.
INSIGHT

Anxiety Comes From Internal Beliefs

  • Experts link speaking anxiety to internal beliefs like irrational thinking and low self-perception.
  • Fear of negative evaluation drives learners to avoid speaking or over-focus on mistakes.
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