Why Can't You Speak Fluently? Take the 60-second quiz to find out. Start the Quiz → 1. When you want to say something in English, your brain’s first move is usually: I start editing before I speak (grammar, prepositions, “Does this sound correct?”) I create the sentence in my language first… then translate. I simplify it to “safe English” (short, basic words, fewer risks). I feel pressure and my mind goes blank for a moment. I can speak — but it comes out stiff/formal, not really “me”. 2.Someone asks you an unexpected question in English. You tend to: Slow down because I’m trying to form the perfect answer. Need extra seconds because I’m translating as I go. Answer quickly but very briefly to avoid mistakes/pronunciation issues. Freeze, panic, or lose my train of thought. Answer, but it sounds rehearsed — like a “work version” of me. 3. When you can’t find the right word mid‑sentence, you usually: Pause too long because I want the exact word (not an “okay” one). Search for a direct translation in my head. Use “thing/stuff/nice/very” (or avoid the idea altogether). Panic and the whole sentence collapses. (I have no idea what they said.) Explain it in a long way — correct, but not smooth or natural. 4. If you notice a small mistake while speaking, your automatic reaction is: I correct myself immediately (and lose flow/confidence). I often notice mistakes late because my brain is busy translating. I keep it simple next time so I don’t make more mistakes. A mistake makes me nervous… and then I blank. I keep going, but I feel like I sound too formal. 5. In group conversations (meetings, dinners, networking), what’s hardest for you? Jumping in without planning the sentence perfectly. Responding fast enough — by the time I translate, the moment is gone. Saying more than basic opinions (I keep it “safe and simple”). Speaking when attention is on me (I get nervous and blank). Sounding natural, engaging, and “warm” — not just correct. 6. After speaking English, what do you replay most in your head? Every mistake I made (and what I should have said). How tiring it was to translate the whole time. The words I avoided / how “simple” I sounded. The moments I stayed quiet or froze. “It was fine… but I didn’t sound like myself.” 7. If you could change ONE thing about your English speaking in the next 30 days, it would be: Stop overthinking and speak without self‑correcting. Speak faster without translating. Use richer vocabulary confidently (and stop playing safe). Stay calm and sharp when put on the spot. Sound natural, expressive, and confident — like me. Get My Results →
