Do you sometimes catch yourself getting stuck in the middle of a conversation in English? Whether you can’t find the right word in English, or you’re not sure how to react and what’s a socially accepted response in a certain situation. It happens to the best of us, we all find ourselves getting stuck sometimes. Let’s see some things you could do get your act together when you get stuck in an English conversation.

1. Stay Calm and Confident:

   As they say, confidence is king. No one needs to know what’s going on in your head. Take a step back to collect your thoughts and regroup.

2. Paraphrase and Clarify:

   If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask for help. You can say things like, “Can you say that in a different way?” or “Could you explain that a bit more?” Asking questions shows you’re interested and trying your best to understand.

   Example:

•    “What do you think about climate change?”
•    “Could you explain more about what you mean?

Feel free to use that in any conversation, not just when speaking English. 🙂

3. Buy Time with Filler Phrases:

   Sometimes, you need a moment to think. It’s okay to say things like, “Let me think about that,” or “That’s a good question.” These phrases give you time to collect your thoughts without feeling rushed.

   Example:

•    “Do you like technology?”
• “Hmm, let me think. Well, I think technology has good and bad sides.”

4. Use Conversation Tricks:

   If you’re not sure what to say in English, try changing the subject or asking more questions. For example, you can say, “Speaking of that, have you ever been to Asia?” This keeps the conversation going while you figure out what to say next.

   Example:

•    “I want to travel. Any suggestions?”
•    “Sure! I recently went to Japan. What countries are you interested in?”

5. Don’t Worry About Being Perfect:

   It’s normal to feel stuck sometimes. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every conversation is a chance to learn and get better. Just relax and keep trying your best.

Getting stuck in an English conversation happens to everyone, but it’s not the end of the world. Remember to stay calm, ask for help if you need it, and use these tips to keep the conversation going. With practice, you’ll become more confident and fluent in English. If you’d like to improve your speaking skills and practice confidence, consider booking a lesson with a qualified English instructor. And don’t worry – you’ve got this!