The #1 Mistake Non-Native Speakers Make (and How to Fix it)

So, you have been studying English for years, but when it is time to speak, your mind goes blank, you start tripping over your words, and you end up feeling awkward. Proper frustrating, isn't it?

Well, the good news is that you are not alone. Loads of people feel the same way when it comes to communicating in English, but why does this happen? Why do you keep ending up in the same situation even after you have spent hours and hours with your head buried in your English textbooks?

Actually, it is because lots of people keep making the same mistake over and over again. The mistake is that you are spending too much time on passive learning... you know, things like reading and listening... without spending enough time doing active speaking practice! 

Luckily for you, fixing this problem is actually pretty bloody easy. You don't need to spend hours and hours in classrooms or buying more English textbooks and apps. Today I will show you a proper simple way to start speaking more confidently!

Watch The Video:

Why Is This Mistake So Common?

There are a few reasons that loads of people end up in this situation and struggle to overcome this common problem. Passive learning accounts for most of people's study time because...

• It feels easier and safer than more active speaking practice
• The fear of making mistakes stops people from speaking more
• A lot of people feel like they don't have chance to practice speaking

I kind of understand some of those thoughts, and I had the same problems too when I was learning Japanese, but if you don't break the cycle and start doing more active practice, you will continue to struggle with...

• Thinking in English during conversations
• Hesitating and having low confidence when speaking
• Actually applying some of that grammar and vocab you have spent years learning!

Now that we understand the problem, how do we go about fixing it?

The Solution? Create a Daily Speaking Habit!

The key to fixing this mistake is actually bloody simple... You need to practice speaking more! I can already hear the groans and excuses but I promise you it is easier than you think... The first thing you need to do it make a commitment. Commit to speaking English out loud EVERY SINGLE DAY.

We are not talking for hours at a time, we are just talking about 10 - 15 minutes per day. This consistent practice rewires your brain to think and respond quickly and naturally in English. It might seem easier said than done, so let me break down how you can do this.

STEP 1: Choose a simple speaking activity:

• Try talking about your day or a recent experience you had
• Practice asking and answering questions to yourself
• Pick a book and read some of it outloud

STEP 2: Record yourself completing the speaking practice:

• Use the recording app on your PC or smartphone to keep a record of your practice
• Listen back to the recordings to identify your weak points
• Keep track of your progress and improvement by listening back to old practice sessions

STEP 3: Keep track of your activities and the things you are focussing on

• Use a checklist or similar to monitor your activities
• Write down how your practice went using reflection sheets
• Look online for different kinds of practice, prompts, and interesting materials to keep things fresh

We are aiming for consistency, not perfection. It's not about saying everything perfectly, it is all about building the habit of speaking regularly!

Why does this work?

There are absolutely tonnes of benefits when it comes to daily speaking practice. After you have been doing it for a while you will notice lots of improvements in your communication skills, such as:

• Muscle memory - Speaking regularly helps your mouth and brain work together to speak naturally and clearly.
• Thinking in English - Daily practice reduces your need to translate stuff in your head so you can respond more quickly.
• A boost in confidence - Speaking becomes less challenging and intimidating the more you do it!

Think of it like learning to play the guitar. You don't become the next Jimi Hendrix by reading about it, you have to actually pick up the bloody thing and play it... even if you do hit a few bum notes at first.

Usually, at this point, people start to tell me...

A bunch of reasons why they are unable to practice speaking. In the 10 years I have been working with people, trust me when I say, I have heard them all and they are almost always not true. Here are some of the common ones...

 "I don't have anyone to practice with..."
You don't need anyone to practice with. You can talk to yourself, practice shadowing, or even practice real life scenarios out loud. Failing that, the internet exists and it can connect you with other people who you can practice with!

"I'm afraid of making mistakes..."
No one likes making mistakes, but you need to realise that mistakes are NECESSARY if you actually want to improve your speaking skills. Nobody has ever become fluent in English without making loads of mistakes.

"I don't know how to practice..."
You are overthinking it. Speaking practice can be as simple as reading something aloud, asking yourself questions and then answering them, or even just describing what you can see right now. Start simple and just do a bit everyday to build the habit!

There is only one more thing you need...

Now that you know how to fix this really common problem, all you need is a plan and the motivation to stick to it! That's why I have created a FREE 7 Day Speaking Practice Plan with simple daily activities to help you get started. 

It includes...

• Daily speaking activities: Step by Step guides and tips to help you get started
• Printable checklists: Plan your activities and keep track of your progress
• A structured practice plan: It's easy to be consistent and accountable with this!

Just remember, the only thing standing between you and confident communication is taking action. Start small, stay consistent and watch your confidence grow. Every bit of practice is one step closer to fluency.