How to Keep Talking Even When You Forget a Word

speaking

Forgetting a word in the middle of a conversation can be frustrating. You are speaking, things are going well, and then suddenly, your mind goes blank. You know the word. It’s somewhere in your brain. But in that moment, you just can’t find it.

If this happens to you, first of all, don’t panic. It happens to everyone, even native speakers. The key is knowing what to do next so that you can keep the conversation flowing instead of getting stuck.

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Why Do I Forget Words When Speaking English?

There are a few reasons why this happens, and understanding them will help you avoid the problem in the future.

1. You Rely Too Much on Memorisation

Many English learners spend most of their time memorising vocabulary lists. While knowing words is important, simply memorising them doesn’t mean you will be able to use them naturally in conversation. Speaking requires quick thinking and flexibility, not just memory.

2. You Don’t Have Backup Strategies

When native speakers forget a word, they naturally find a different way to explain what they mean. They don’t stop talking, they just adjust. If you don’t have this skill, you might freeze up when you forget a word instead of working around it.

3. You Haven’t Practised Speaking Enough

Understanding words and using them in real-time conversation are two different skills. If you only study English by reading and listening, you won’t develop the ability to quickly find and use words when speaking.

Why is This a Problem?

Forgetting words occasionally is normal, but if this happens often, it can lead to bigger problems.

1. It Can Be Embarrassing

Feeling stuck in a conversation can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you are speaking with someone you don’t know well. The longer the pause, the more pressure you feel, making it even harder to find the right word.

2. Hesitation Can Confuse People

If you pause too long when speaking, the person you are talking to might think you don’t understand them or that your English is weaker than it really is. This can lead to misunderstandings and awkward moments.

3. It Hurts Your Confidence

If you struggle to find words often, you might start avoiding conversations in English altogether. Over time, this can make you feel like your English isn’t improving, even when it actually is.

How Can I Keep Talking Even When I Forget a Word?

The good news is that you can train yourself to keep talking even when you forget a word. Here’s how:

1. Use the ‘Talk Around It’ Method

Instead of stopping and trying to remember the exact word, describe what you mean in a different way. For example:

If you forget the word “fridge,” you could say, “the machine that keeps food cold.”
If you forget “umbrella,” you could say, “the thing that protects you from the rain.”

This helps you keep the conversation going without getting stuck.

2. Use Time Filler Words

Native speakers use small phrases to give themselves time to think, such as:

“It’s kind of like…”
“You know, the thing that…”
“I can’t remember the word, but it’s…”

These give you a few extra seconds to find the right word while still keeping the conversation flowing.

3. Train Your Quick Thinking

The best way to improve this skill is to practise speaking under pressure. Try exercises like:

Describing objects around you without saying their names.
Playing word association games where you quickly think of related words.
Practising ‘talk around it’ exercises, where you explain words in different ways.

The more you practise, the easier it will be to keep speaking even when your brain goes blank.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting words when speaking English is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to stop you from having conversations. By developing strategies to talk around missing words, using time fillers, and practising quick thinking, you can stay confident and keep speaking naturally.

If you want structured practice to improve your speaking skills, check out my 30-Day Speaking Practice Pack. It’s designed to help you build confidence and develop the ability to speak without hesitation.