Blessing Adegbola

Many students find speaking difficult because it can feel intimidating. Speaking a new language isn’t just about knowing the right words—it’s about putting them together on the spot, often while feeling nervous or self-conscious. A lot of students worry about making mistakes, like using the wrong grammar or pronunciation, and fear being laughed at or judged. This fear can make them hesitant to speak at all. Some students also feel they don’t have enough words or phrases to express themselves, which can lead to frustration when they can’t say what they mean. On top of that, speaking requires thinking quickly, and for beginners, this can feel overwhelming.

To help students improve their speaking skills, I would focus on building their confidence first. It’s important to create a relaxed and friendly environment where students feel safe to try, even if they make mistakes. I’d encourage them to see mistakes as part of learning rather than something to be embarrassed about. Celebrating small wins, like successfully communicating an idea, can go a long way in boosting their confidence.

Practice is key to improving, so I’d include speaking activities in every lesson. Pairing students up for conversations or role-playing real-life situations—like ordering coffee or asking for directions—can make speaking feel more natural and relevant. At the start, I’d give them clear prompts or scripts to follow, so they’re not left scrambling for words. As they gain confidence, we could move on to more open-ended discussions.

Vocabulary is another piece of the puzzle. If students don’t have the words they need, they’ll struggle to express themselves. I’d introduce useful phrases tied to everyday situations, so they have practical language tools to draw on. By practicing these phrases repeatedly in different contexts, they’ll feel more prepared to use them in real conversations.

Pronunciation can also be a barrier, so I’d make time for listening and repeating exercises. Students could practice repeating words and sentences they hear in class or from recordings, helping them get comfortable with how the language sounds. I’d also encourage them to practice outside the classroom—maybe by talking to classmates in English or even trying out a conversation with a native speaker if they can.

The most important thing is to help students feel comfortable. When they feel supported and encouraged, they’re more likely to take risks and start speaking more. Over time, with lots of practice and patience, speaking becomes less scary and more enjoyable.