7 Tips for Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence

Are you holding back from learning Spanish because of the fear of learning?  Are you afraid of making mistakes in Spanish in front of native Spanish speakers?  Do you lack confidence when speaking Spanish?  Are you afraid you might be judged by other people if you try?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these, then keep reading!  In this post, I have some tips that will help you as you begin, or continue, your Spanish learning journey!

7 Tips for Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence

Tip #1 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Embrace your mistakes

Embrace your mistakes, and recognize that everyone has to start at the beginning, and it is OK to make mistakes.  In fact, mistakes are our biggest teachers.  When you step out and make that mistake, you need to look at it and learn what happened.  Analyze what went 'wrong'.  

Sometimes it helps to have someone that you trust close by who can be your 'cheerleader' and help you keep going.  How can you really know, though, if you have made a mistake?

Tip #2 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Supportive community

It is really hard to know if and when you have made a mistake when learning Spanish.  This is why you do need a 'cheerleader', but that cheerleader needs to be someone who can encourage you, and who knows Spanish as well.  Where can you actually find someone like this?

This is why I have created a learning community In Spanish Just in Time.  As you learn Spanish you need a place where you feel OK to make mistakes.  But not just is it OK to make a mistake, you need to know how to fix that mistake as well.

In Spanish Just in Time we have that free community, and for people who want more, there are other opportunities to learn as well in small groups, or 1:1.

 

Tip #3 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Start Small

We have created a start-small course for parents and their kids where you will learn thematic vocabulary and phrases, then build sentences and dialogue around those themes.  If you choose to learn Spanish with your kids, this can be a lot of fun, plus you will be able to practice together without that fear of being judged by someone that you may not know well, or trust.

When you start small, and build up slowly, then you will see your own growth.  This will give you confidence to keep going!

Tip #4 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Watch Spanish TV or Spanish shows with subtitles

This will bring you into so much learning!  You will learn new vocabulary, phrases and sentences.  But you will also learn about new cultures and new dialects.  Even watching children's' shows in Spanish can be helpful for adults because children's' shows tend to center around themes.  You can easily recognize words within themes on children's TV shows because these shows are super visual.

Tip #5 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Use a Spanish learning App.

There are quite a few of these out there like Duolingo, Babble, and Rosetta Stone.  I have not used these, but they are a possibility for you.  I have, however, used some useful websites that I do recommend.  For example, abcya.com has Spanish games and printables on it.  

Also, there are some fantastic YouTube sights as well.  I will mention one that I have used quite a bit in my classroom:  Canta con Jess.  This channel has bilingual songs where kids can learn the days of the week, counting and much, much more.  I highly recommend that you search YouTube for songs and activities for kids, plus you could find simple and quick lessons for adults as well.

Tip #6 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Practice speaking with a native speaker.

If you know someone who is from a Spanish-speaking country, then try asking them if you can practice you newly learned Spanish words, phrases or sentences.  This is a terrific way to start and perfect your journey in speaking Spanish.

Also, if you are interested in 1:1 lessons with me, or someone on my team, then send me a DM on instagram: @yourdualclassroom.  I am thinking about starting 1:1 classes as well as small group lessons for kids and adults.  I hope to see you there!

Tip #7 For Overcoming Fear so that you can Start Speaking Spanish with Confidence: Set Realistic Goals.

You will need to set goals that are achievable for you.  For example, you could try learning one new word a day, or learn how to use new words in a sentence.  Or you could try to start speaking with a native speaking friend.  Remember, if you don't have anyone in mind, I encourage you to check out my IG @yourdualclassroom for tips and words Spanish.  

In conclusion, do not be too hard on yourself.  Learning a new language takes time and practice.  Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may be.  The most important thing for you to do is to start speaking Spanish, and embrace those mistakes rather than fearing them.  Practice and perseverance are your best friends and you will improve your Spanish skills and then you'll feel so much more confidence to strike up conversations! 

If you are interested in starting up in Spanish with your kids, at your own pace, then click here for more information.