How to get over being shy about speaking spanish

Question

hi, im new here. i am abt to be a 1st year college student. i plan to major in spanish. i love the language, but i must admit, i am very shy abt speaking spanish around people ( i need to get over this ). i need to know how i ca get over being shy and just SPEAK. I'm afraid of being misunderstood.

• Welcome to the forum! - pesta Jul 11, 2011
• Please watch your punctuation,spelling and capitalization, all here are learners. - pacofinkler Jul 11, 2011

Answer 1

Honestly (from my experience), natives don't care if you mess up while speaking Spanish. They're happy that someone else is learning, and they will be more than happy to help you

Don't be shy. Be confident!

You can speak the language. You've been studying for years.

You're a great Spanish speaker, and it's time you share your talent with your peers.

If you uncomfortable with your ability to speak, try doing some of our lessons. They have a "Speak" portion which allows you to record your voice and then play it back.

If you want to become more comfortable speaking in Spanish, try joining a Skype chat organized by Heidita. Also, try recording your voice on an audio thread like this one.

• Haha! I'm voting for you. While I was busy making my little blue word, you created a masterpiece! - MLucie Jul 11, 2011
• Thanks, MLucie!!!! - SonrisaDelSo Jul 11, 2011

Answer 2

Alex, I live in México and I speak every day, complete with errors and vices of language which I work to correct daily as well. You should find as I have, that Méxicans anyway, at their least are tolerant and helpful.

Lazarus said that grammar is important, but not so important as to prevent you from communicating. Get out there and speak, make errors and learn from them. that is the fun of it all after all isn´t it?

• ¡orale! - LaloLoco Jul 11, 2011
• Well said! - territurtle Jul 11, 2011

Answer 3

Well, you've come to the right place!

Honestly, I'd never really had the nerve to speak until I joined in on my first Skype chat with Heidita and the gang. Just thinking about it made me nervous but once we got started, I had SO much fun! The people here help each other and the spirit of community has taught me a whole lot more than Spanish. So my advice is, close your eyes and jump in!

¡Bienvenida!

Look you guys! I did a color! (I learned that here, too!)

• Excelente :) - SonrisaDelSo Jul 11, 2011
• Smile! - pacofinkler Jul 11, 2011

Answer 4

I still feel exactly the same, even after working in Spain for a few months and using it at work. I always find that if I am volunteering to speak Spanish then I feel better about doing it, rather than when I am speaking it because I feel obliged too.

Also try chatting away to yourself in Spanish. Note. make sure you ARE alone or people may think you are crazy! Get used to using the words and expressions and then make sure you understand Spanish people will love that you are trying to learn their language. Native English speakers have an image of being linguistically arrogant as we are all told that English is one of the most important languages therefore most of us don't attempt to learn other languages. However, the simple demonstration of you learning another language will put you in a good light; and they will encourage you to learn their language.

Good luck! =)

• Sound advice Lou! - patch Jul 11, 2011

Answer 5

I also had this issue. Approach your Spanish speaking friends as a student looking for help. Use the words maestra and maestro. You'll be pleasantly surprised how helpful people are willing to be.

• You got it Lalo - pacofinkler Jul 11, 2011

Answer 6

Welcome to the forum!

I had the same problem.

Try to find a Spanish speaking community that is willing to help you. It may be a church, civic group, or a college class in conversational Spanish.

Also, check out the Skype chats on this site. They will help you build confidence.

• Go get em Bruce - pacofinkler Jul 11, 2011

Answer 7

If none of the other suggestions work, you can always fly to the airport in Mexico City and stand around baggage claim while your friends search for their luggage.

The security guards there helped me overcome my shyness. Just a short conversation with them and speaking Spanish didn't seem to be a problem at all.

It worked for me, anyway.

Answer 8

Drink beer with native speakers.

• :) - dogwood Jul 11, 2011
• Actually, he's right! - territurtle Jul 11, 2011

Answer 9

Alex, it's great that you are striving for excellence in Spanish! But you will not know how good you actually are if you don't communicate with others. Speaking is a huge part of learning. Go for it!

Answer 10

im learning to just think of all those ppl tht would b proud and happy of you. You can do this!

Answer 11

And should you still find yourself needing a little more encouragement, just visit our Encouragement Island thread

Answer 12

Anytime you have the opportunity take advantage of it. Find people in your area that speak Spanish and make it a point to speak with them. I always try to meet people in convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Don't worry about making mistakes, it is necessary in order to learn. I see a lot of my fellow students do great in our classes, but when they have the opportunity to speak they don't take advantage. No matter how much grammar they may know their speech/listening skills never develop.At first it can be intimidating, but after a while you will become comfortable talking with complete strangers.