Something we often overlook as teachers is helping our students to overcome foreign language anxiety and speak confidently.

I remember a few years ago when I was teaching a private student in Rio de Janeiro (my hometown), Brazil. Let’s call her Mariana.

Mariana was a 35-year-old woman who had been through more English language schools than she could count and, sadly, had come to think of herself as a “loser” when it came to learning English. Her self-esteem was at an all-time low. Mariana would always say that she just “wasn’t good at languages.”

It took a bit of time (and a lot of encouragement) until she started to believe in herself. But once she began to notice the small wins, like understanding a new word or surviving a short conversation, her mindset changed. I’ll never forget the day she called me, almost breathless with excitement, to tell me that she had participated in a work meeting in English. Her boss had even complimented her!

“For the first time,” she said, “I’m actually proud of myself!”

And that was a turning point for her, as well as for me as a teacher.

Yes, learning a foreign language can be a rewarding yet challenging journey for our ESL students. Many learners, even though they want to get better, often struggle with feeling nervous, unsure, or scared when speaking in English. It’s definitely a tough spot to be in. However, I think we’ve all been there at some point. This emotional barrier is what we call foreign language anxiety.

As ESL teachers, our role is not only to teach grammar or vocabulary but also to support our students in overcoming these psychological barriers, helping them build confidence and feel comfortable in the learning environment. All in all, we all want our students to be speaking with confidence in both the classroom and the real world!

In this blogpost, we’ll explore the underlying causes of language anxiety and share 10 strategies that teachers can use to help students overcome their fears and make their language learning experience more positive and successful.

Where does foreign language anxiety come from?

Foreign language anxiety is a complex phenomenon, and there is no single cause for why it happens. However, there are several common factors that contribute to this type of anxiety. Understanding these causes is essential for ESL teachers to know how to support ESL students and ease their anxieties effectively. I believe it’s always important to ask ourselves:

Why do some ESL students have more anxiety than others when learning a language?

1. Fear of making mistakes and being judged

One of the most common reasons why ESL students feel anxious when speaking a foreign language is the fear of making mistakes. This fear is often increased in classroom settings, where learners feel they are being observed and judged by their peers or teachers.The idea of saying something incorrectly, mispronouncing a word, or making a grammatical error can paralyze students, preventing them from speaking at all, especially when they feel like they’re being put on the spot. I’m sure you’ve seen those times when students just freeze up, looking nervous and unsure of what to say.

In some cultures, there is a strong emphasis on avoiding mistakes, which can add to the pressure. ESL students might worry that their errors will make them look foolish or “dumb” in front of others. And guess what happens? This creates a cycle of anxiety: the more they worry about mistakes, the more likely they are to stumble, reinforcing their fear of speaking. I’ve seen this happen so many times in my own classroom. It’s heartbreaking to watch a capable student freeze up just because they’re afraid of getting it wrong.

2. Perfectionism and high expectations

Let’s face it, we’ve all met ESL students who hold themselves to incredibly high standards. Many ESL students who experience foreign language anxiety are perfectionists. They set extremely high standards for themselves and believe that anything less than flawless performance is a failure. This mindset can be particularly harmful in language learning, where mistakes are an inevitable and necessary part of the process.

Perfectionist learners may hesitate to speak until they feel they can do so perfectly, which can lead to frustration and anxiety. They may feel it more when they realize that fluency takes time and practice. Over time, this pressure can significantly undermine their motivation to learn.

3. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence

Another contributing factor to language anxiety is low self-esteem.  ESL students who have struggled with learning English ( or another language)in the past, or who have been told they are “bad at languages,” often come to the classroom with a negative self-image. Sadly, they may believe that they are incapable of mastering a foreign language, and this belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. These students might shy away from speaking or participating in class because they don’t feel confident enough to express themselves.

It’s tough, because learners need to believe in their ability to improve and grow, but if they lack this belief, they are more likely to experience anxiety, which in turn hinders their progress. When I see a student avoiding participation in class, it’s a clear sign that their confidence needs some nurturing.

4. Negative past experiences (or “language traumas”)

ESL students who have had negative experiences learning or using a foreign language in the past may also develop anxiety. For example, if a student was ridiculed or bullied for their accent or grammar mistakes in a previous class, they may have anxiety to speak in future language learning settings. These negative experiences can stick with learners for a long time. This can affect their willingness to engage in the language.

It’s so important for us as teachers to remember that each student brings their own “baggage” into the classroom. If we’re not mindful of that, we might miss out on helping them move past it.

5. Pressure to perform

In many cases, ESL students feel intense pressure to succeed in their language studies. This can be pressure comes from their teachers, parents, or themselves. This pressure often manifests in the form of test anxiety—nervousness or fear related to exams and assessments. And let’s be honest, sometimes, students may feel that their entire language ability is being judged based on their performance in a test, which can lead to panic and anxiety.

The fear of being put on the spot and the pressure to get everything right can cause significant anxiety, even for students who have a good grasp of the material. It’s no wonder so many learners get cold feet when it’s time for that big test or presentation!

6. Cultural differences and language barriers

On top of that, cultural differences can also play a role in language anxiety. For some students, the cultural norms and expectations in their home country may differ significantly from those in the English-speaking world. As a result, this cultural gap can make learners feel like outsiders, further intensifying their anxiety. Think about it, for example, a student from a culture where modesty and humility are highly valued may feel uncomfortable speaking up in class or expressing their opinions in English.

It makes you wonder: How often do we, as teachers, unintentionally reinforce these cultural divides by not acknowledging the differences in classroom behavior?

Not only that, but language barriers can create anxiety when students struggle to understand or be understood. This is especially true for students who are learning English in an immersive environment, where they are surrounded by the language all the time. Without a doubt, the constant challenge of trying to communicate effectively in a foreign language can be exhausting and give students anxiety.

10 Strategies to Help Students Overcome Foreign Language Anxiety

Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind language anxiety, let’s talk about the strategies ESL teachers can use to help their ESL students overcome it. First off, these practical tips can be applied in the classroom to create a more supportive, encouraging learning environment. Let’s dive in!

1. Create a safe and encouraging classroom environment

First things first, a positive classroom atmosphere is key to reducing anxiety. Make sure your students feel comfortable, supported, and understood. And here’s the thing, encourage them to take risks, reminding them that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Consider creating class rules that promote respect and kindness, ensuring that no one feels judged for their language mistakes. After all, a little encouragement goes a long way!

2. Introduce relaxation techniques before speaking tasks

Speaking in a foreign language can trigger physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweaty palms or a racing heart. So, before doing speaking activities, try incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or short mindfulness exercises (there are tons of helpful videos on Youtube!).

These simple practices can help students calm their nerves and prepare them mentally for the task ahead. You can keep them short and easy. Just a few deep breaths can make a big difference!

3. Break large tasks into manageable steps

Let’s be real: speaking tasks can feel overwhelming, especially for anxious students. To help, break down large tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps. For example, if your ESL students are preparing for a presentation, start by having them outline their ideas, then practice with a partner, and finally present to a small group before speaking to the whole class. This gradual buildup can ease anxiety and give students the confidence to perform.

4. Model positive self-talk and encourage its use

Students with foreign language anxiety often have negative internal dialogues. They may be telling themselves they aren’t good enough or will never succeed. Encourage your ESL students to replace these thoughts with more positive, encouraging self-talk. Better yet, remind them to celebrate small wins, like completing a sentence in English without hesitation. Help them view mistakes as learning opportunities. After all, isn’t learning a journey full of ups and downs? Make sure to clearly communicate this to your students to help them overcome foreign language anxiety.

5. Use pair and group activities to lower pressure

We all know, speaking in front of the entire class can be nerve-wracking. Pair and group activities provide a much less intimidating way for students to practice their language skills. What’s more, working in smaller groups allows students to communicate in a more relaxed setting, reducing their fear of judgment and encouraging participation. In my experience, students often perform better when they feel like they’re not “on stage” the whole time.

6. Make use of authentic learning materials

Providing ESL students with real-life contexts for language use can help reduce anxiety. Fluentize, for example, offers ESL lessons based on authentic, real-world scenarios that show learners how language is used in practical, everyday situations.

Using our ESL lessons can help students see the relevance of their learning, reducing their fear of the unknown and giving them more confidence. Isn’t it easier to learn when you know exactly how to use what you’re learning?

7. Set realistic, achievable goals for language progress

Let’s not forget that small victories are important. Help students set small, manageable goals for their language learning, such as learning 5 new words per week or participating in one class discussion per day. By breaking down the larger goal of “learning English” into smaller, more achievable milestones, you can help reduce foreign language anxiety. Taking things step by step helps alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and give students a clearer sense of progress.

8. Incorporate games and fun speaking activities

Learning a language doesn’t always have to be serious. In fact, adding a bit of fun in your ESL speaking activities can make a big difference. Incorporating interactive activities like language games can help reduce anxiety by making the learning process more enjoyable.

Games that encourage spontaneous communication, like role-playing or language puzzles, provide students with a chance to use English in a relaxed, playful setting. Plus, a little humor in class can go a long way in easing tension and helping students feel more at ease. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh and a fun language game?

9. Provide consistent, constructive feedback

As you’ve likely seen, offering regular feedback in a supportive way can really help reduce anxiety by giving students a clear understanding of their progress. Instead of only pointing out mistakes, focus on what they’re doing well, while gently guiding them on how to improve. Honestly, I’ve found that students respond so much better when they feel encouraged rather than criticized. In the end, the key is to frame feedback as a way to help them grow, not as criticism.

10. Celebrate milestones and successes

Finally, celebrate your students’ achievements, no matter how small. Whether it’s answering a question in English for the first time or successfully completing a speaking activity, acknowledging progress helps boost confidence and motivation. Celebrate these moments with the whole class to foster a positive, encouraging environment.

Try to continually remind your students of the progress they’ve made and let them know what they’ve improved it. They can be small comments, for example, after a student pronounces something properly after having trouble with the same word or phrase for a long time. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of recognition now and then?

Additional support: Use technology to enhance learning

In today’s digital age, technology can be a powerful tool to help reduce foreign language anxiety. Many students feel more comfortable practicing their language skills in low-pressure, online environments before transitioning to in-person interactions. Here are some ways to use technology effectively in the classroom:

1. Language learning apps

Encourage your ESL students to use language learning apps that allow them to practice English at their own pace. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Fluentize’s interactive lessons offer personalized, stress-free practice that can build confidence over time.

2. Online language exchanges

You know, language exchanges can be a fantastic way for students to practice speaking with proficient English speakers in a more relaxed, informal setting. Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk connect language learners with native speakers, allowing them to practice conversational skills in a supportive, one-on-one environment. It’s a great option, especially for those who may feel shy in larger group settings.

3. Use of video in lessons

Another helpful idea is incorporating video content into your ESL lessons to help ESL students experience real-world language use. Videos offer both a visual and auditory learning experience that can feel less intimidating than speaking in front of the whole class. Plus, Fluentize lessons, for example, feature authentic video content that shows how language is used in everyday situations, which can really boost students’ confidence.

Overcoming Foreign Language Anxiety

Key Takeaway: Small Steps = Big Progress

The truth is, language anxiety is a common challenge, but it’s one that can be managed with the right approach. By understanding the root causes and applying these 10 strategies, you can help your students feel more comfortable, confident, and capable in their English learning journey. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re all striving for?

Remember, progress is gradual, and every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating. With patience, encouragement, and the right tools—like the authentic lessons offered by Fluentize—you can guide your students toward becoming confident English speakers. The road to fluency is not without its challenges, but with support, every student can reach their full potential.

Happy Teaching!