Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself

Author: BBC Radio March 9, 2026 Duration: 9:08

It can be harder to express our personality in a foreign language because we have fewer language tools available and speaking anxiety can make it harder to let our personalities shine.

Learn from experts about this topic and get tips on how to show your true self in English in the last episode of this special series.

Don't forget, you can watch Georgie's explainer videos and see learners of English try different activities to improve their speaking confidence. Find them on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

Office English is back for a third series! Search for 'Learning English for Work' in your favourite podcast app, or find the episodes with free transcripts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english

Our newsletter with our weekly highlights and language learning tips comes out every Wednesday. Make sure you're signed up! 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: 802

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
The English We Speak: Flow State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:26
When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free transcript here: ✔…
The English We Speak: Got you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15
If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/e…
The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04
Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.…
The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:24
Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei.TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316OFFI…
The English We Speak: Cut corners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:19
If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie.TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish…
The English We Speak: Short-change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:33
If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie and hear more examples.IND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learn…
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]

Duration: 2:56
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.…