Most language learners have a fear of making mistakes when they speak a foreign language and are worried that these mistakes will make them seem stupid or underqualified, but as we have mentioned before, making mistakes is an essential part of language learning. In spite of this, we want to offer you all our advice on how to avoid basic errors when you speak.
Plan your answer
An important part of speaking a foreign language is preparation. Before having a conversation, you should try to predict the vocabulary and grammar structures that you will want to use and make sure you know them well. You can prepare some fixed phrases that you can use if you need them. This will boost your confidence and help you start the conversation well.
Keep it simple
Most of the language you will need in a conversation will be simple. Try preparing some simple phrases and simple questions to make sure you can follow the conversation. It is better to give a simple explanation of what you want to say than try to speak in a complicated way that is not understood.
Think in the target language
Most simple grammatical errors come from translation. The key is to think in the language and this way you will avoid simple grammatical mistakes.
Know where you normally make mistakes
If you can predict when you will probably make a mistake, it is easier to avoid them. Try going through the phrases that you would like to use and think of potential problems that you might have.
Be slow and careful
“Slow and steady wins the race” or so they say. Try to take your time and speak at a rate that suits you. Do not rush to try to sound more fluent, speak at the speed that is best for you.
We hope you have found this advice useful and we look forward to seeing you next time. Keep on learning, enjoy your progress.
