Hadar Shemesh explains why English learners often know more than they can use: without regular speaking practice, knowledge stays passive. She recommends solo practice like recording yourself talking, plus joining conversation groups for consistent, low-pressure speaking.
Today's question is from Mayu from Japan, and Mayu writes, why is it that my performance varies depending on the situation even though it is the same act of speaking English? First, let's address the first issue that your knowledge is bigger than your ability to use it. That happens when you don't have a lot of opportunities to use the language. You have to make your English speaking a habit so you can minimize the gap between the English that you know and the English that you use. That means more practice on your own, walking around your house, speaking, recording yourself, answering questions or talking about different topics, and of course, using opportunities to speak with real people as much as possible. If you're not there yet, I highly recommend that you join the influency community so you can join free conversation groups every single week and you get to practice your English with people from all around the world. It's safe, it's comfortable. I have no doubt that you are definitely going to benefit from it.
Read Out Loud with me! Dare to Lead by Brené Brown | Pronunciation & Vocabulary practice
