The Fear of Speaking Wrong

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Many learners stay silent out of fear of mispronouncing words. But silence slows progress. Encouragement, not correction, builds bravery.
How do you reduce fear in your speaking activities?

@Nawres-Alabed specific phobia characterized by intense anxiety related to public speaking.
General fear of speaking:
This can encompass a broader fear of saying the wrong thing in any situation, including everyday conversations.

@Nawres-Alabed People worry about being negatively evaluated or criticized by others.

@Nawres-Alabed
Absolutely true! I try to create a safe and supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning. I model positive responses, use pair or group work to build confidence, and celebrate effort over perfection. Encouragement and gentle feedback go a long way in helping learners find their voice.

@Nawres-Alabed

Dear, I completely agree that fear of speaking wrong can be a huge barrier. To reduce fear, I think it's essential to create a supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks. Encouragement and positive feedback can go a long way in building confidence.

Some strategies that work for me include:

• Focusing on fluency over accuracy in initial stages
• Using peer-to-peer conversations to build rapport
• Celebrating small victories and progress
• Emphasizing communication over perfection

@Nawres-Alabed Fear of Judgment: "What will they think if I say something wrong?"

@Mariya-Rajpar Silences Potential: Learners or professionals might stay quiet even when they have great ideas.

@Mariya-Rajpar Blocks Learning: We learn best by doing and trying. Fear stops participation.

@Mariya-Rajpar Hurts Confidence: Repeated silence reinforces self-doubt.

@SOBIARANAM-IRFAN Shift Mindset: Mistakes are signs of effort, not failure.

Start Small: Speak in low-pressure environments first.

Practice Out Loud: Build muscle memory and confidence.

@SOBIARANAM-IRFAN Celebrate Effort, Not Just Accuracy: Praise participation.