Ever been caught in a conversation where your English just up and disappears? It’s a terrible feeling isn't it?

You’re chatting away, and then—poof!—your English words vanish when you need them most. If that's happened to you, trust me, you’re not alone in feeling that frustration.

In this episode, I dive into the shared experience of language learners who find themselves tongue-tied at the worst moments. I’ll share some practical tips on shifting your mindset and managing those pesky feelings of not being good enough when you stumble over your words.

We'll talk about how to take the pressure off yourself and make conversations easier, so you can express your thoughts without that nagging fear of judgment.

That Dale Carnegie quote I mention?

“The royal road to a person’s heart is to talk about the things he or she treasures most. If we talk to people about what they are interested in, they will feel valued and value us in return.” - Dale Carnegie.

Episode Takeaways:

1. Experiencing a moment of forgetting what to say in a conversation is totally normal, so don’t stress about it.
2. Instead of thinking negatively about your language skills, focus on reframing your thoughts during conversations.
3. It’s okay to pause and collect your thoughts; just let your conversation partner know you need a moment.
4. Ask questions during conversations to shift the focus away from yourself and engage others.
5. Remember that everyone struggles with language at times; you're not alone in this experience.
6. Practice having conversations regularly to build your confidence and fluency in English.

Work with me!

Need some help with your speaking skills for the CELPIP exam? Join the CELPIP Success School - the most introvert friendly place on the internet to prepare for your CELPIP exam.

Mentioned in this episode:

The CELPIP Speaking Momentum Series: Get Unstuck and Start Practicing with Confidence

Are you feeling stuck with your CELPIP speaking practice? Maybe the timer starts, and your mind goes blank—or you’re just tired of recording yourself and feeling like it sounds 'cringe.'

That’s why I’ve created a free private podcast just for you. It’s a three-part audio series you can listen to anywhere—in the car, at the gym, or while making dinner. I’ll show you exactly how to dive into your answers without wasting time, how to think faster under pressure, and how to finally stop being afraid of that microphone.

Plus, it comes with bonus practice PDFs so you can follow along and start your first session today.

Speaking Momentum Audio Program