Affirmations for Speaking English With More Confidence

If this is familiar, “I speak perfect English” probably isn’t the most useful affirmation to hear. You already know you’re still learning. A line like “I can take a moment to find the word” gives you a little more room to join in as you are.

That’s a good place to start with affirmation audio: a few sentences you’d want to hear before the conversation you’re actually having.

What keeps you from speaking?

Think about the last time you stayed quiet even though you wanted to say something. Was it your accent? A word you couldn’t remember? The worry that someone would ask you to repeat yourself?

Choose a phrase that answers that particular worry. For example:

• If you keep checking your grammar: “I can say what I mean in a simple sentence.”
• If you get stuck on a missing word: “I can describe it another way.”
• If you’re embarrassed to ask a question: “I’m allowed to ask what that means.”
• If you’re worried about your accent: “I don’t need to hide my accent to take part.”
• If someone asks you to repeat yourself: “I can say it again and take my time.”

Read them aloud. Some will feel more natural than others. You might prefer “It’s okay to ask” to “I’m allowed to ask.” Use that. The recording belongs to you; it doesn’t need to sound like a motivational speech.

Two or three lines are plenty to begin with. Give each one enough space that you can hear it without the next sentence arriving immediately.

Put the words into a recording

In Manai, describe the situation and ask for affirmation audio. Mention the tone you like, and include any wording you want to keep. Here’s an example:

Make me a short affirmation recording to listen to before speaking English. I often stay quiet because I’m checking my grammar. Include “I can say what I mean in a simple sentence” and “I can take a moment to find the word.” Keep it friendly and leave time for me to repeat each line.

Read the script before making the audio. Change anything that sounds too grand or feels awkward in your mouth. When you listen, check the pacing too. There should be time to finish a sentence before the voice moves on.

English may be the language you want to hear. Or you may prefer reminders in your first language before heading into an English conversation. Tell Manai which you want; there’s no need to turn every part of the recording into a language exercise.

The next time you have something to add, try one small contribution: a question, an opinion, a request for clarification. It might come out slowly. You might need to rephrase it. You still get to be part of the conversation.

Make your own affirmation audio in Manai.

Related: How to shape personal affirmation audio · Preparing to speak in another language.

For the moment after a slip, see affirmation audio for moving on after a speaking mistake.

Create your personal practice with Manai →