How a Tutor Can Help Students Fight Their Fear of Speaking the Language

This is one of the most important ways of combating this struggle. The fear of speaking a language comes from a place of insecurity, which is why it is important to reassure them and show them the utmost courtesy. Learners need to feel safe enough to practice speaking. Being patient, politely correcting, and comforting students have helped me make them feel secure. I knew that they needed to be heard and understood and to have their confidence restored. Time and time again, I would show my students that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. By creating a safe space, I am more likely to help them improve their skills.

Praising them at any given opportunity

As mentioned earlier, students being too hard on themselves can be one of the reasons why they are afraid of speaking the language. Moreover, they may have unrealistic expectations for their progress, which makes mistakes feel like the worst thing they could have possibly done. I always place a strong emphasis on their achievements during lessons. These achievements could range from using new words correctly to good pronunciation. Even if an achievement seems minor, I praise the student for it as well. That way, I change their mindset from overemphasizing any mistakes they may have made to being more patient towards themselves and more appreciative of the progress they’re making.

A different approach to correcting mistakes

It is undeniable that mistakes are a natural part of the language-learning process. They should not be ignored when a student makes them. However, when it comes to the learners who are scared of speaking their target language, I recognize that they need a different approach. Since this type of student has a tendency to overemphasize their mistakes, I gently address some of the errors that they may have made. In order to avoid decreasing their motivation, I explain that mistakes are not something to be ashamed of and that they are to be expected.

Motivating them to speak in a more detailed manner

Another trait that some students have is that they tend to use abridged sentences. It becomes more evident when they answer questions. When this happens (especially if it occurs in the process of learning a grammar topic), I tell them to try to answer the question again, but in a more detailed manner and using the tense or structure that is being studied at the moment. It is important to mention that I do this when it is motivated by a student’s fear of speaking their language, not when they find the topic boring. In cases when they use short answers out of fear, I remind them that in order to achieve results in learning a certain grammar topic, they need to practice using the structures.

Matching my speech to their level

Some students have a tendency to feel intimidated by speech that does not match their level. I always take this aspect into consideration. If I use overly complicated structures and advanced vocabulary, this may not only strengthen their fears and doubts but decrease their motivation. For example, a student who just started learning how to tell another person about their tastes in food may not be ready to talk about recipes and cooking precautions. While it is important for me to introduce students to new words and grammar topics, it is also highly crucial for me not to overcomplicate my speech.