Don't Be Shy! 5 Easy Ways to Start Speaking More While You´re Learning English
- Charles Hodson
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
It´s scary, but you can overcome those nerves!
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Hola, students! Are you at that exciting B1 stage where you understand a lot, but sometimes the words just get stuck when you try to speak? You're not alone! Many Catalan learners feel a bit shy about speaking English, even when they know the grammar. This blog post is all about giving you simple, fun ways to boost your confidence and get those English words flowing.
Why Speaking Matters (and Why We Get Shy)
At B1, you've mastered a lot of basic tenses and vocabulary. You can probably read English articles and understand conversations quite well. But speaking is different, isn't it? In Catalonia, we're used to a very expressive language, and sometimes we worry about making mistakes in English. The good news? Everyone makes mistakes! It’s part of learning. The most important thing is to communicate.
Grammar Tip: The Power of "Can" and "Could" for Confidence
Let's quickly look at two super useful modal verbs: "can" and "could."
"Can" is for ability: "I can speak English a little." "I can understand you."
"Could" is for possibility or polite requests: "Could you repeat that, please?" "I could try to explain it."
Using these naturally in your conversations will help you feel more comfortable expressing what you can do and politely asking for help when you could use it. Don't underestimate how useful these two words are!
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5 Easy Ways to Start Speaking More:
Talk to Yourself (Yes, Really!): This sounds a bit crazy, but it works! Describe your day, narrate what you're doing, or even just say your thoughts out loud in English. Nobody's listening, so there's no pressure! It helps you practice forming sentences without an audience.
Find a Language Exchange Partner: There are many apps and websites (like Tandem or HelloTalk) where you can find native English speakers who want to learn Catalan. It's a win-win! You can practice English, and you can help someone with your native language. Start with simple topics like hobbies, food, or your hometown.
Use English When You're Out and About: Do you have an English-speaking friend? Try to speak English with them for at least 10 minutes when you meet. Are you in a tourist area? If someone asks for directions in English, try to answer them! Even small interactions build confidence.
Describe Pictures Aloud: Find a picture online or in a magazine. Now, try to describe everything you see in English. Use adjectives, prepositions, and simple sentences. "The woman is wearing a red hat." "There is a dog next to the tree." This is a fantastic way to practice descriptive vocabulary and sentence structure.
Watch English TV/Movies and Repeat: This is a fun one! Pick a short scene from your favourite English show or movie. Watch it, then try to repeat the lines exactly as the characters say them. Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation. This helps you get a feel for natural spoken English rhythms.
Study Tip: Focus on Phrases, Not Just Single Words
When you learn new vocabulary, don't just learn the word itself. Learn common phrases it's used in. For example, instead of just "book," learn "book a table," "read a book," "a good book." This makes your English sound much more natural and helps you recall words more easily in conversation.
Cambridge English Exams: A Note on Speaking at B1 (Preliminary/PET)
For the B1 Preliminary (PET) exam, the speaking part tests your ability to take part in a conversation, describe pictures, and express opinions simply. The tips above are perfect for preparing for this! Don't aim for perfection, aim for communication. Examiners want to see that you can get your message across.
Fun Fact: English Words from Catalan?
Did you know there aren't many direct English words from Catalan? However, many words are shared through Latin roots, like "family" (família) or "important" (important). It shows how languages are connected!
Keep Practicing!
Remember, speaking is a skill. The more you do it, the better you get. Don't worry about mistakes; celebrate every time you successfully communicate in English. Keep practicing, and you'll be speaking confidently in no time!
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