So, I've had an internet best friend for about 1 1/2 years. She comes from England, so speaks English. We get along really well and I can trust her, we've even met before. I have no problem with the English language, I'm about C1.
The thing is that of course we also want to call sometimes. We have done this 3 (!) Times so far, and only for about 30 minutes. Why? Because I'm extremely afraid to speak English! I understand her, she understands me, and my accent is almost inaudible. Still, I get panic every time. For calls in general, i.e. In German, I have no problem, or in French. But with English… Nothing at all! When my parents are at home, certainly not.
I used to have no problem with that, I played Fortnite (yes, a crime) to talk to Americans even when my parents were at home and I spoke English for hours.
You have to know, I'm generally a really shy person, but not with people I trust.
Do you have an idea how I can finally bring myself to speak English (also e.g. When I'm called in English classes this is so) and how to call my English friends?
Every tip is highly valued, just type on it.
That goes with the time. Your English will improve from time to time and at some point you will be surprised to find that the fear is gone.
Just do it! Such fear only passes through practice and that gives you security. Tell her about these concerns…
For me it is exactly the same with Spanish. I speak it really well, but it was really difficult at first to speak up.
Exercise and pulling through helps best. I simply spoke to familiar people who speak Spanish, who then praised and improved me and so the panic was reduced.
BUT- a good tip is to speak in shorter sentences, so you don't have to think too much at the beginning. The rest comes on its own.
Your vocabulary expands even more and you can add more words…
A 30 min phone call is not short. Even with people I feel very comfortable with, I would never speak for 30 minutes. I'm a native speaker of English, but I don't like talking on the phone. I'm not afraid of it, I just find it uncomfortable and boring. What I don't like is that you just sit and talk. It makes me nervous because there's nothing to do. Talking in Fortnite would be much better for me because we both work together. I think if you talk on the phone a lot it will be better. Ka… But you could never enjoy it.
