Being able to converse in an informal and relaxed setting is one of the best ways for language learners to gain confidence when using their newly-developed skills. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.
When you go out and endeavor to speak to natives using their tongue, few will really have the patience to listen to your broken attempts. After all, those people are likely just as busy as you are in your home turf – things to do, places to see and people to meet. As such, being able to relax enough to communicate clearly is easier than done. For the most part, your most comfortable conversations will likely take place with fellow students who are on a similar path as you.
That’s one advantage of classroom style language learning methods – you get an immediate set of people to practice everything you pick up with. While it will often lead to a case of the “blind leading the blind,” it creates an environment where you can use the language free from social pressures – one of the most ideal ways to gain a good deal of speaking confidence.
What do you talk about when plunged into these learning-conducive situations? Most language trainers suggest talking about topics that are easy enough to talk about, while being able to help you learn more about each other. The safest subject is usually material from each others’ home countries, including local life, national festivals and tourist spots.
Once you get the hang of such “dependable” topics, you can move on to more difficult subjects. Personal stuff, such as those you hold near and dear to you, will usually push you to the limits of your speaking abilities, compelling you to use facets of the language you would otherwise stay away from.
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