This week, I recorded a 1-hour podcast in Mandarin and a 2-hour podcast in Spanish.
At least initially, I felt more nervous recording the Spanish one. This is because I have an advanced level in Spanish compared to B1+/B2 level in Mandarin. Therefore, I was more of a perfectionist in Spanish than in Mandarin. It was a reminder that it’s possible to get nervous regardless of one’s fluency level.
Here are some strategies I use to manage my nerves when speaking in another language.
Focus on moving my jaw a lot when I speak. It makes me slow down and be more articulate. I only recently learned this trick from Vinh Giang
Say what I can instead of what I want when I’m in a pinch. Sometimes what I’d like to say exceeds my level. I only focus on saying what I want when in a learning environment - otherwise if I feel myself getting stuck I might stick to a simple reply
Ask lots of questions when my brain starts to get tired. I find it easier to have the other person talk a lot than for me to be on the receiving end of questions
Have access to an online translator to look up words if I get stuck (I didn’t do this during the podcast recordings)
Speak with people I like and trust
Speaking can be nerve-racking.
Nevertheless, at some point in your learning journey doing lots of speaking will be beneficial.
If you have anxiety around speaking in another language and want help overcoming it, I’d be happy to speak with you 1-1 on Zoom to figure out some personalized strategies that might work for you. Just shoot me an email :)