How to lose the fear of making mistakes while learning English
Sep 22, 2025
Written by Gabriela Estrada
Do you feel embarrassed when pronouncing your English? Don't worry, this feeling is quite common. The process of learning a new language often triggers self-doubt, but not for long. The fear of speaking English fades with study and practice, otherwise it would not exist.Otherwise, the thousands of bilingual people around the world would not exist.
Dead silence in English class is understandable for the first few days, but if it goes on too long, it will be a severe obstacle to fluency. In this blog, you will find the neuroscientific explanation of the impact of not speaking English for fear of making a mistake and I will give you some and I will give you some effective tips for loosening up your tongue Let's get started!
How the brain becomes accustomed to not talking
When a student decides to remain silent in order not to make a mistake, the brain begins to create a pattern of behavior. The neurolinguistic programming (NLP) explains this phenomenon as follows: by consistently avoiding the act of speaking, the brain associates oral communication in the new language with a threat or risk, the brain associates oral communication in the new language with a threat or risk.. Over time, this behavior is reinforced, and the person becomes accustomed to not speaking. A negative feedback loop occurs where the fear of making mistakes leads him to remain silent, and silence, in turn, increases his distrust. This vicious circle prevents listening and comprehension skills from translating into effective oral production.
Dare to speak up and be wrong
On the contrary, when a student dares to speak up, without fear of error, the brain begins to builds a new circuit. Every attempt, every word uttered, even if incorrect, reinforces the connection between theory and practice. The constant practice leads to effective communicationunleashing the potential for learning.
Conversation clubs to break the silence
Overcoming mistrust requires more than just willpower; it requires a guided and structured guided and structured study that addresses these negative patterns in a safe and progressive manner. Modern teaching methodologies, approved by seals of assurance and academic quality, focus on goal-focused learning. These methodologies recognize that error is a natural part of the learning process..
A conversation club is the perfect antidote to the fear of speaking. As a relaxed space without the pressure of a formal assessment, it allows students to:
- Practice without pressure: Because the goal is to loosen the tongue, not to speak perfectly.
- Learning from others: listening to others make mistakes and overcoming them builds a sense of trust among peers and normalizes the learning process.
- Gain self-confidence: every participation, no matter how small, is a victory that your brain registers as an achievement.
Tips for losing fear and recording your progress
Fluency is achieved with discipline and strategy. To break the cycle of silence, put these tips into practice:
- Start with the basics:
Don't try to give a speech on the first day. Start with simple phrases such as greetings, basic questions or short answers.
- Use the "record of achievement" technique:
Keep a diary or a note on your cell phone to record each time you dare to speak English. record every time you dare to speak in English.. Write down the date and type of interaction (e.g., "Monday, 1:00 p.m., I asked for directions"). This will allow you to visualize your progress and celebrate your small victories.
- Record:
Use a voice recorder to record your conversations or practice. Listening to yourself will help you identify areas for improvement and get used to your own voice in the new language.
- Find a "buddy":
Connect with a peer in your course with whom you can practice outside of class. Informal practice with a friend reduces anxiety.
Studying English successfully
At Planet Immilandwe understand that mistrust can be your biggest barrier. That's why we offer English courses designed from scratchwith a methodology that invites you to participate from day one. In addition, as an exclusive benefit for our students, we offer the Free Conversation Cluba space where you can practice in a relaxed, no-pressure environment with students from all over the world.
Learn more about our English courses:
- Beginner A1/A2.
- Elementary A2+.
- Pre-Intermediate B1.
- Intermediate B1+.
- Upper Intermediate B2.
- Advanced B2+.
If you wish to contact us atcontact us, please click here and we will be glad to help you with whatever you need.
Leaving behind the fear of making mistakes is the first step to fluency. With the right support and guided study, you can break the cycle of silence and open new doors with the language.
Much success in your process. Please share this topic with others who may need it.See you soon!
With love,
Planeta Immiland Education
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