8 techniques to use if you are too shy to speak in your target language

If you are too shy to speak in your target language, here are 8 techniques that you can utilise to help.

1. Remember no one will be able to speak a foreign language without making mistakes.

2. Try to have a layer of thick skin.  If people correct you, they are not judging you but helping you get better at communicating in your target language.

3. Try to utilise chat-rooms such as at SharedTalk.com.  You may never speak to the same person again so it doesn’t matter what, or how well, you say something.

4. Record yourself talking and then listen back to help improve your pronunciation and help build up your confidence at the same time.

5. Watch lots and lots of TV combined with listening to the radio and other people of your target language.  Over time, you do sub-consciously learn the way people say things.

6. Do cognitive therapy where a professional can help you change your reactions so that you feel less shy and judged when you try to communicate with other people.

7. Find a kindly and patient tutor on-line.  A tutor is not there to judge you; they are there to help you.

8. Go somewhere where you have no choice but to utilise your foreign language.  This may be in a language class or in a country of your target language.  There is nothing like being thrown in the deep end to get you talking!

There are many great people who speak your target language and if you practice speaking, you are likely to find these great people.