How to Overcome Shyness When Speaking English Abroad
- Jihane Sato
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Speaking English abroad can feel exciting, but it can also feel scary. Many international students worry about making mistakes, having an accent, or not knowing the right words.
This often leads to shyness and speaking anxiety. The good news is that confidence grows with practice, support, and small steps.
Here are some simple and effective ways to overcome shyness when speaking English, build confidence speaking English abroad, and enjoy positive interactions every day.
Accept that mistakes are a natural part of learning
No one learns a language without making mistakes. Even native speakers make grammar errors. Instead of worrying about perfection, focus on communication.
Why this helps:
You relax faster when you stop trying to be perfect.
People care more about your message than your grammar.
Every mistake becomes a learning opportunity.
Learning to say “It’s okay, I am learning” is a powerful confidence booster.
Practise English in small, low-pressure situations
You do not need to start with long conversations. Begin with short and simple exchanges.
Try small daily interactions:
A quick hello to your bus driver
Ordering coffee
Asking where something is in the shop
Small talk with classmates
These short moments will help you gradually reduce your speaking anxiety.
Use simple English first
Many students believe they must use difficult vocabulary to sound fluent. This creates pressure and increases shyness.
Speak simply:
Short sentences
Clear ideas
Common words
Simple English is easier for people to understand and will help you feel more confident.
Practise with friends you feel comfortable with
Speaking with supportive people helps remove fear. Your classmates, homestay family, or school friends are great practice partners.
Benefits of friendly practice:
You feel safe trying new phrases.
You receive encouragement.
You build trust in your speaking ability.
The more relaxed you feel, the faster your confidence grows.
Listen more to gain confidence
Confidence does not just come from speaking. Listening helps you learn natural phrases, rhythm, and pronunciation.
Try:
English podcasts
Street conversations
Local radio
Movies or TV shows
Conversations at school
Listening helps you become more familiar with real English, which will reduce fear when you speak.
Join activities and social groups
The more active you are, the more chances you have to practise English. Activities help you make friends and speak naturally.
At LSNZ, our student activities, clubs, and school events create safe opportunities to speak without pressure.
Practise deep breathing before speaking
Shyness often comes from physical nervousness. A short breathing exercise can calm your body and mind.
Try this:
Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds
This will help you reduce tension, and helps you speak calmly and clearly.
Celebrate every small success
Confidence builds from progress, not perfection.
Celebrate small wins like:
Asking a question in class
Starting a conversation
Speaking for one full minute
Learning a new phrase
These achievements show real growth.
FAQs: Overcoming Shyness when Speaking English
Is it normal to feel shy speaking English abroad?
Yes. Most international students feel this way at first.
How long does it take to build confidence?
It depends on how often you practise. Regular speaking can improve confidence within weeks!
Will people judge me for my accent?
No. New Zealanders are friendly and used to many different accents. They appreciate effort over perfection.
Final Advice
Overcoming shyness takes time, but small steps can make a big difference. Speak often, start simple, and stay patient with yourself. Every conversation builds your confidence.
At LSNZ, we create a friendly, supportive environment, where students can practise English naturally, meet new people, and grow their confidence day-by-day.
Speaking English abroad becomes easier when you have the right people and the right opportunities around you.
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