Less rushing, more conversation, more networking

Written by Gabriela Estrada

Speaking a second language well isn't a race to accumulate vocabulary or sound fluent in record time; it's a process that takes root over time as part of our daily lives. 

Whether it's English, French, or any other language, the temptation to sound like experts right from the start often backfires because, in our search for complicated words, we end up losing track of what we wanted to say.

In this blog post, I'll show you how to move beyond the rush to sound good and discover the true joy of making yourself understood at your current level and moving forward with confidence. 

From "sounding good" to "getting the message across"

Simply put, sounding good in a new language means pronouncing words clearly, using the right words, and speaking fluently. 

To make yourself understood, you just need to shift your mindset and confidently use the vocabulary you already have at your current level. If you’re at a basic level, like A1, don’t overcomplicate things—just express yourself using the simple phrases you’ve already learned. If you’re at a more advanced level, use your vocabulary to its fullest extent, keeping in mind what you learned at that level, but without overdoing it.

The mistake many make is wanting to sound more advanced than they are; but they end up frustrated when failing to meet their unrealistic expectations. In the end, the language learner’s greatest enemy is the fear of not seeming smart, because the obsession with a perfect accent makes them forget that the real purpose of speaking is to connect and communicate. 

Making yourself understood is as simple as letting go of your fear, drawing on what you already know, and focusing on making sure the other person receives your message clearly.

Accepting mistakes calms the mind and allows you to move forward

When we stop pressuring our brains to come up with perfect sentences and focus on communicating what we know, our minds relax and the fear of making mistakes disappears. 

At the end of the day, a successful conversation is one in which two people share ideas, understand each other, and smile. It doesn't matter if you missed a word or if your accent is noticeable; what matters is that the message got across.

The Joy of Living on the B1 Level, or the Level of Action

Reaching an intermediate level in any language is worth celebrating and enjoying. However, many see this stage (the famous B1 level) as a slow and boring process, simply because they’re thinking about moving quickly on to the next level without enjoying what they’ve already accomplished.

Whether at work or in everyday life, B1 is the level of practical application. It helps you solve everyday problems, explain tasks, and share your opinion with your coworkers. You don’t need a more advanced level to show that you can already communicate well; what you need is the confidence that comes from knowing you can use the language every day.

Work in the language, not just study it

Making the most of your intermediate level means losing your fear of using the language. At this level, you learn to use the simple connectors you need to link your ideas and tell your own stories clearly. These aren’t small words that can be omitted; on the contrary, they help you express yourself better in the new language.

To see real progress, the trick is to listen to podcasts, watch TV shows, or read things you enjoy and recognizing the same words you’ve learned. You’ll expand your vocabulary later, but while you’re at a certain level, everything should revolve around it without pressuring yourself to understand absolutely everything. That’s how you teach your brain to use the resources at its disposal to process information in English, French, or whatever language you’re studying.

Embrace the process—steady but not rushed!

Unless you have an urgent trip or an exam with a deadline, don't put pressure on yourself to become perfectly bilingual overnight. If you see the language as a chore, you'll get burned out. But if you enjoy every step of the way, you'll realize that you're already speaking completely fluently—without having struggled along the way.

Want to test your level without any pressure?

Everything you've read on this blog isn't just theory. If you want to let go of your inhibitions, speak from what you know today, and see for yourself that what matters is making yourself understood, we invite you to our Speed Networking event in Bogotá. It’s a relaxed setting where you can have short conversations, meet amazing people, and use the language without fear of making mistakes.

Click click here and sign up to reserve your spot—and come connect with us!

Learn at your own pace 

At Planeta Immiland, we help you build the confidence to speak English and French with people from all over the world.

Our programs are designed to help you communicate in real-life situations, depending on your goals: traveling, studying, working, or expanding your professional network.

We offer: 

• English and French courses.
• Preparation for international exams.
• Programs focused on academic and immigration goals.
• Conversation opportunities to build fluency and confidence.

Visit our online academy and discover how learning a new language can be the best investment in your future.

https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/

If this article resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it just as much as you do.

Remember: A successful conversation is one in which two people share ideas, understand each other, and smile. Don't just try to sound good; instead, make yourself understood at your current level.

See you in the next blog post, where we'll continue to explore how languages can open the door to new international experiences and opportunities!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education