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: 100

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:44
Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/lear…
The English We Speak: Gatekeep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As alwa…
The English We Speak: In over my head [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:53
Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.…
The English We Speak: A hunch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:32
Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programmeFor more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.c…
The English We Speak: Take it as a given [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As alw…
The English We Speak: Think on your feet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:49
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.For more great language tips and programmes…
The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:23
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie.For more great l…
The English We Speak: Yap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:18
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.comAs always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.…
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…