The most frequently asked question I get is how to overcome the fear of speaking English, especially for 9-to-5 working adults who always say they can't squeeze out long periods of time to practice, either afraid of embarrassing themselves by saying the wrong thing, or feeling like they're not making progress after practicing for ages. Actually, if you use your spare time properly, you don't have to stay up for 2 hours every day - you can practice your speaking skills even during your casual break time.

01Short Spare Time Under 10 Minutes: Practice "Zero-pressure Speaking Response"

Short bits of time like waiting for milk tea, commuting on the subway, or taking a lunch break restroom stop don't need to be spent only scrolling short videos. They're perfect for practicing basic speaking responses.

  • When you see any object around you, immediately say the corresponding English word plus one simple sentence describing it
  • When any thought pops into your head, first translate the core meaning with no more than 3 English words
  • When you see a short English sentence, read it silently twice, don't force yourself to memorize it
Ayuan, a post-95s operations staff who consulted us last week, said she was able to have simple conversations with foreign delivery guys after practicing during her commute for 15 days.

0225-Minute Fixed Spare Time: Practice Real Conversations with Foreign Teachers

Many people have memorized tons of words but still can't open their mouths to speak. Frankly, that's just because they've never actually had a conversation with someone, and are afraid of making mistakes and feeling awkward. I personally recommend setting aside a fixed 25-minute complete spare time slot every day, like the gap after dinner when you get home from work, to take an online one-on-one foreign teacher class. If you don't know how to choose a suitable course for yourself, you can check the practical criteria for choosing the right course we sorted out earlier to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

  • Use the scenario-based introduction of the Karen Method, first follow the teacher's guidance to say 3 opening sentences, no advance preparation needed
  • If you say something wrong, you don't have to rack your brains to figure it out yourself - the teacher will correct the usage immediately, and you can remember it after repeating twice
  • The topics are all ones you use in daily life, like workplace presentations, travel directions, you can use what you learn right after class

03How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking English: Do "Scenario Reuse" Right After Learning

Many people abandon what they learned right after class, and still can't speak when they encounter the same scenario next time. Actually, you only need to spend 3 more minutes consolidating. This instant reuse method is the most cost-effective English speaking practice method I've ever seen, you don't need to spend extra time memorizing, and the memory stays longer.

  • After class, say the 3 common expressions you learned that day again in front of the mirror
  • When you encounter a similar scenario the next day, prioritize using the expressions you learned the day before, even if you say it half-jokingly to a colleague
  • When you collect 10 common expressions, sort them into your phone's memo, you can flip through it anytime you forget

Actually, how to overcome the fear of speaking English is really not as complicated as you think. You don't have to memorize 10,000 words before you dare to open your mouth. If you use your spare time properly and practice gradually, you will obviously feel more confident and fluent in speaking within 2 months. We now have free trial class spots with foreign teachers from our physical campus in Manila, Philippines, you can book an experience if you are interested.