Welcome, English learners!
In this post, we’ll share highlights from the podcast “I Can Understand, But I Can’t Speak” from the Mr. English Channel. If you understand English but struggle to speak, you’re not alone — and this guide is packed with tips to help you break that barrier!
💥 Why You Understand But Can’t Speak
Understanding and speaking are two different skills:
✅ Understanding is passive — you listen or read and process information.
✅ Speaking is active — you recall words, form sentences, and produce sounds.
Most learners focus more on passive skills, especially in classrooms. Add to that the fear of mistakes and lack of confidence, and it’s no wonder many people freeze when it’s time to talk.
🚀 Tips to Start Speaking with Confidence
âś… Start small
Begin with basic phrases: “Hello,” “How are you?”, “What’s your name?”
âś… Practice every day
Even 10–15 minutes daily builds speaking “muscle memory.”
âś… Talk to yourself
Narrate your day, describe what you see, or plan tomorrow’s activities aloud.
✅ Don’t fear mistakes
Mistakes are feedback, not failure — they help you improve.
âś… Prioritize communication over perfection
Your goal is to be understood, not to sound perfect.
âś… Use simple words
Simple vocabulary works best for clear communication.
âś… Immerse yourself
Watch English shows, listen to podcasts, and read English content.
âś… Practice shadowing
Repeat sentences you hear in movies or podcasts to improve rhythm and pronunciation.
🗣️ Fun Practice Activities
- Role-play: Imagine restaurant or hotel conversations.
- Describe pictures: Say out loud what you see.
- Tell short stories: Share what you did today or make up a simple story.
- Answer questions: Practice “What’s your hobby?”, “Where are you from?”, “What do you do?”
For more ideas, check our post: Easy Conversations for Beginners
🌟 Stay Motivated
- Celebrate small wins.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others.
- Join a learning community.
- Remember your goals — travel, work, or connecting with people.
- Believe in yourself — progress comes with persistence.
🌍 Learn More
Explore practical exercises at BBC Learning English or check Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries for common words and phrases.
đź“Ł Final Thoughts
Speaking is a journey, not a sprint. Stay patient, practice consistently, and enjoy the process! Subscribe to Mr. English Channel on YouTube, share this post with friends, and leave a comment — we’d love to hear your experiences and questions.
