Beating Speaking Anxiety is a special podcast and video series exploring the fears that come with speaking a foreign language.
Hosts Georgie, presenter at BBC Learning English, and Hanan, a journalist for BBC Arabic, speak to experts to understand why speaking makes us so anxious, learn about what happens to our brain when we learn a new language, and explore some tips to help make speaking English less stressful. They cover topics like the fear of making mistakes, the fear of not understanding people, and the frustration that comes with not being able to express your personality in English.
So, come and practise your listening skills and learn some tips for boosting your speaking confidence.
How to be yourself in English
Episode 260310 / 10 Mar 2026
Do you feel like you can show your personality in English?
I'm scared I can't be myself - podcast
Episode 260309 / 09 Mar 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about how to show your personality when you speak English.
How to celebrate your progress
Episode 260303 / 03 Mar 2026
Do you ever feel like you're trying really hard but can't see your progress?
I'm scared I'm not improving - podcast
Episode 260302 / 02 Mar 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel like you're not getting better at English.
How to show your funny side in English
Episode 260224 / 24 Feb 2026
Get tips for showing your sense of humour in English
I'm scared I won't get the joke - podcast
Episode 260223 / 23 Feb 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding and making jokes in English.
How to speak clearly in English
Episode 260217 / 17 Feb 2026
Tips for making sure your accent in English is easy to understand
I'm scared people won't understand me - podcast
Episode 260216 / 16 Feb 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about accents and what to do when someone doesn't understand yours.
How to build your speaking confidence
Episode 260210 / 10 Feb 2026
The fear of public speaking is common even in a person’s first language, and in a foreign language, it can feel even scarier
I'm scared of speaking in front of people - podcast
Episode 260209 / 09 Feb 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups.
What to do if you can't understand someone
Episode 260203 / 03 Feb 2026
How to get better at understanding people around the world
I'm scared I won't understand people - podcast
Episode 260202 / 02 Feb 2026
Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations.
What to do when your mind goes blank
Episode 260127 / 27 Jan 2026
Tips for when you forget your words during a conversation
I'm scared I'll forget my words - podcast
Episode 260126 / 26 Jan 2026
Have you ever been having a conversation in English, and suddenly your forget your words?
How to fight the fear of mistakes
Episode 260120 / 20 Jan 2026
Understand the fear of mistakes and hear tips for how to overcome it
I'm scared of making mistakes - podcast
Episode 260119 / 19 Jan 2026
Does the fear of making mistakes stop you progressing in English?