Beating Speaking Anxiety: 2. I’m scared of forgetting my words

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 2. I’m scared of forgetting my words

Author: BBC Radio January 26, 2026 Duration: 8:23

Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words?

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can’t always remember words we know in a new language.

With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/forgetting_words-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599


Produced by BBC Radio, Learning English Conversations is a practical companion for anyone navigating the nuances of a new language. This podcast moves beyond textbook grammar to focus on the living language you hear in the streets, offices, and cafes. Each episode delves into everyday expressions and authentic dialogues, breaking down how English is actually spoken in casual and professional settings. A regular highlight is the popular segment 'The English We Speak,' which unpacks a new piece of slang, idiom, or useful phrase every week, giving you the confidence to use it yourself. The series also features special deep-dive collections tackling specific challenges, such as the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' series, which offers strategies to overcome the common fear of making mistakes in conversation. The tone is supportive and clear, prioritizing real-world application over theory. By listening, you gain access to the rhythms, shortcuts, and cultural context that make conversations flow more naturally. Tune in for a direct, accessible route to feeling more at ease and capable in your English speaking and listening journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I’m scared I’m not getting better [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:52
Sometimes it can feel like no matter how much you practise speaking, you don’t get any better.In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel stuck learning English.With speaking…
The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔…
Beating Speaking Anxiety: 6. I’m scared I won’t get the joke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:37
Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn’t understand the joke?In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking…
The English We Speak: Learn the hard way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:04
Sometimes we ignore advice. Sometimes things go wrong and this programme is about those times. Phil and Feifei teach you how to use the expression to learn something the hard way.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.…
The English We Speak: A big ask [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:53
Sometimes people ask for too much. Listen to examples of this phrase being use and learn how to use it for those moments.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/tews/260209_tews_a_big_a…
The English We Speak: Facepalm moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:22
Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-26020…
The English We Speak: Shoot off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12
This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-spea…