Encourage English Department Students to Speak English More Frequent and More Confident

English speaking generally is a daily usage for students of English department. Nevertheless, not every college student will use English in their daily routine of life. This is quite troubling as they are students of English major. Not every student is willing to speak English often. They may don’t feel confident as well. In this case, there are problems why university students are not using English more often.

The first is they don’t have partner to speak English to apply what they have learned so far. This reasoning varies; it depends on students’ problem. It can be caused by the circumstances of the university student. Some students don’t like talking because they are worried of their mistakes while they speak.  Some think that it’s fine not to speak English because not everyone will be a teacher or lecturer of English. This reasoning will lead students’ lack of usage of English.

Second is they are ashamed to speak foreign language in front of others. Not everyone feels confident when it comes to speaking, especially English; its probability will increase if they are about to speak foreign language. If they don’t feel confident enough to speak in the public, how can they speak often?

The third is, they think it’s still good not to speak English as long as they master the theory. Even a teacher of high school doesn't always have the ability to teach speaking but theory.

Considering some facts above, let us increase the amount of using English more often and more frequently. So how to do so? There are things which can help you to be more confident of using English.

Speak to yourself. This can help English speaking activity to increase in amount. It will also help students to be more confident to talk in English. You can do it by locking yourself into a room, speaking it out loud so you can hear it clearly. You can also do it by practicing it by looking at yourself from the mirror so you will feel the eyes looking at you; even if it’s only your reflection.

Talk to students which have similar interest to speak in English. You can join a group talk outside of a formal group; or you can join a formal discussion using English. This will help you because you will get the nerve to speak in front of them because they are expecting you to speak as well as they will.

Things are normal if you aren't good at speaking. Even students who have more ability in speaking don’t always get it right. The important thing you should remember is you are developing and progressing from zero to one. At least you get something new rather than nothing, am I mistaken?