Learning English Conversations Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I’m scared I’m not getting better
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Mar 2, 2026 They explore why classroom English feels different from real conversation. They discuss why competent learners still feel anxious and stuck. Practical ideas include taking a break from perfectionism and studying other interests to practise naturally. Tips cover celebrating small wins and using recordings to notice gradual progress.
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High Level Fluency Can Hide Deep Anxiety
- High-level learners can appear successful externally while still suffering intense speaking anxiety.
- Rhiannon explains these learners hit an internal "wall" where anxiety stops them taking roles or speaking confidently despite clear competence.
Take A Break From Pure Language Study
- Stop obsessively chasing more English courses when progress feels stalled and take a break from focusing only on language.
- Rhiannon recommends doing activities you enjoy that use English naturally, like an evening botany class, to reduce pressure and practise purposefully.
Student Chose Botany Class Instead Of English Exams
- Rhiannon told of a student who wanted a masters in botany and was advised to take a botany evening class instead of extra English exams.
- The class offered relevant vocabulary and engagement with like-minded people, reducing exam pressure.