If you have ever stayed silent in a meeting or a conversation because speaking English felt uncomfortable, you are in good company. Almost every student I work with has felt this. In this episode, I talk about why that discomfort is actually a sign of growth. As you read, think of one small moment this week when you could speak up instead of staying quiet.
Do you stay quiet in moments where you have something to say because you are afraid that you might put yourself in an uncomfortable position?
That feeling is common.
The majority of people have the initial tendency to shy away from being uncomfortable because well… it’s uncomfortable!
But improving your English pronunciation doesn’t come from sitting in your comfort zone. It comes from speaking up, speaking out and trying new things in new situations.
This podcast episode will teach you how to shift your mindset to push yourself a little further than you’re comfortable with. And I promise, the growth you are going to see by applying some simple changes within yourself is going to be worth the “risks” you feel you are taking by speaking out.
4 small steps to get comfortable with discomfort
You do not have to jump into the scariest situation first. Growth comes from stretching a little further than feels easy, again and again. Here are four steps I share with my students:
- Pick one low-pressure moment each day. Order your coffee, ask a store clerk a question, or say good morning to a neighbor. Small conversations still count as practice.
- Prepare one sentence ahead of time. Before a meeting, choose one comment or question you want to share and say it out loud three times. Then you only have to say it once more in the room.
- Notice what actually happens. After you speak up, ask yourself: did anything bad happen? Most of the time, people simply respond to your idea. Your brain learns that speaking up is safe.
- Raise the stretch a little at a time. When ordering coffee feels easy, move to asking a question in a meeting, then to sharing an idea, then to leading part of a conversation.
Change what you say to yourself
When you feel nervous before speaking, try replacing “I might sound wrong” with “This is how I get better.” The uncomfortable feeling does not mean you are failing. It means you are doing something that will help you grow, and every time you speak up, the next time gets a little easier.
Want more on this mindset? Read why discomfort is the currency for success and discomfort now or later, then listen to these tips for overcoming the fear of speaking English.
Want to know how to make these changes? Join Pronunciation Pro and get the personalized coaching you need.
Find the best package for you: https://pronunciationpro.com/join/
