…Hey, Steve. What’s new with you today? Hello. I chat with people online on a online chat platform from all over the world, people who are trying to learn English and improve, practice, basically. But I find an awful lot of people are so shy and so nervous of coming in and actually chatting and starting to chat.
They’re scared of doing that. What can you suggest for me…
that’s a common challenge. You could try breaking the ice with simple, non intimidating questions. Start with topics that are universal, like favorite foods, movies, or hobbies. Also, sharing a bit about yourself first might encourage them to open up. And remember, patience is key.
What do you think of giving this a try? Yeah. I can give that a try. One thing I’ve found as well is that often people that are learners, certainly people that are beginners, when they hear there’s a native English speaker, me being from Britain, that makes them even more frightened…
Yes. That can feel intimidating for them. It might help to downplay your native speaker status, maybe share personal anecdotes about your own language learning struggles, or express admiration for their efforts. Creating a friendly and supportive environment could help ease their nerves. How does that sound to you?
Yeah. That sounds like a good thing. I always encourage people. Very often, they’ll come in, they’ll type in the type chat section and say my English is not good or, I’m not very good or my English is bad, something like that. But I always try and encourage people to come and speak, take that first step of saying hello because you can start a conversation by saying, hello, I’m from, I don’t know, India, or I’m from Turkey.
That’s a fantastic approach. Encouraging those first steps is key. Everyone starts somewhere, and your openness can make a big difference. Plus, talking about where they’re from can be a great icebreaker. Keep fostering that supportive environment, and you’ll see them open up more confidently.
You’re doing good work. Keep it up. Yeah. It is a little frustrating sometimes. You get a group of perhaps ten people in the group, and there’s just one other person and myself talking.
And that’s fine because people are there to listen. They’re there to experience English being spoken. And when there’s a native speaker, that’s great for the people that are learning English. But…
it’s always frustrating for me thinking, well, I’ve got nine other people or maybe eight other people there that potentially could come and speak. And I know the majority of them are just scared. They’re really frightened to open their mic and say hello…
It sounds like you’re providing a really supportive space. Those quiet listeners are likely benefiting from just being there, even if they don’t speak up. Maybe try small rewards or incentives for those who do participate, or perhaps start with a round of introductions where everyone says a bit about themselves. That might help break the ice. What do you think about trying some of these ideas?
Yeah. That’s a good idea to ask people to introduce themselves. that might encourage them to come to the mic. but like I say, a lot of people, their heart rate goes up, they’re sweating, and you know, it’s it’s like you’re asking them to chop their arm off, but all you’re asking them to do is to come and say hello. Yeah.
It’s a big step for them. The fear of judgment or making mistakes can really heighten their anxiety. Maybe emphasize that it’s a safe space for learning, where mistakes are part of the process. You could also share some lighthearted stories about your own language blunders to show it’s okay to not be perfect. It’s all about progress, not perfection…
Yeah. That’s true. I’m fairly open about myself. I often get asked a lot of questions like where I’m from, what do I do, etcetera. The usual five or six questions that most people ask in these chat groups.
And I’m fairly open about myself. There’s some things I hold back, but usually I’m fairly open, in…talking and trying to get a conversation going about, things that I usually do during the day, like my, my procedures for the day, that kind of thing. I did find that, often a lot of people like to talk about their hobbies and their interests. Everybody likes to talk about things they enjoy doing, and sometimes that brings people out of their shell. That will get them to open their mic.
…Absolutely. Hobbies and interests are a great way to get people talking. They’re personal, relatable, and can make people feel more comfortable. It’s great that you share about yourself. It sets the tone and makes you more approachable.
Plus, when people talk about what they love, it can really lift the energy of the conversation. Keep encouraging that, and you’ll likely see more people coming out of their shells. You’re doing a wonderful job. Well, thank you. I like to be encouraging.
I get great enjoyment from helping people with English. I’m not a teacher. I’m just somebody that likes to help being a native speaker. I know quite a bit about English, but I’m not a teacher. I’m just a helper and I’ve been doing it since about two thousand, I suppose…
That’s fantastic. Your passion for helping is evident, and it’s wonderful that you’ve been doing it for so long. You’re providing a valuable service and your encouragement can make a big difference in someone’s learning journey. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s clearly having a positive impact…
That’s great. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. And thank you for your tips and tricks. They’re gonna be very useful.
And I’m sure when people listen to this, they’ll, listen to it and think, it’s not that hard. It’s not that hard to just open the mic and say hello…
You’re very welcome. I’m glad you found the tips helpful. It really is about making that first move. And with someone encouraging like you, I’m sure more will find the courage to speak up. Keep up the fantastic work.
Oh, yeah. One thing I often say is, don’t be shy. Come and say hi…
That’s a great mantra. Simple, welcoming, and easy to remember. Encouraging that friendly vibe can make all the difference. Keep spreading that positive energy. You’re doing fantastic work.
Thank you very much. Okay. Thanks for your help. I appreciate the tips and tricks. You’re welcome.
I’m glad I could help. Keep up the great work with your group. Take care. Thank you…
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