Confidence: Make Mistakes Like a Pro!

Speak Better English: Make Mistakes Like a Pro!

Study mindset • Practical habits • Simple phrases that help

Online classes are amazing… but they can feel more intimidating than face-to-face lessons. You see your own face. You hear your own voice. You keep hoping there are no tech issues.

The good news? Confidence isn’t a personality trait. It’s a set of repeatable habits. Here are simple, realistic ways to feel more confident in online lessons—starting from your very next class.

Where does confidence come from?

Confidence comes from clarity (understanding), comfortability (knowing it's ok to make mistakes) and repetition (practice).

Before Class:

Most “online nerves” are your brain reacting to uncertainty. We're able to remove uncertainty with a tiny routine.

Tech Check: Check your mic, camera, headphones and internet.
(Confidence drops when you are worrying about tech problems.)
Positive Affirmations:
Repeat a few of these simple sentences out loud:

I’m okay with making mistakes.
I don't need to be perfect. Just make progress.
I'll have the confidence to ask for help, if I need it.
I’ll try to speak a little more than last time.
I'm proud of myself for taking this lesson. A lot of people wouldn't even try.
My English isn't perfect, and that's okay. It doesn't have to be perfect to communicate well.
Keep a note on your desk to remind you. Here is my favourite:

“I don’t need to be perfect — I just need to make progress.”

「完璧である必要はない。進歩すればいい。」
Choose a Goal for the Lesson:
Pronunciation Fluency Vocabulary Communication Confidence Grammar Professionalism

Don't have huge goals like: "be fluent" or "speak like a native."

Aim for small wins for each lesson. Build towards that larger goal.

How to be Confident During Class:

1) Slow Down and Take It Easy:

When online, clarity beats speed. Speaking a little slower makes you sound more confident and reduces mistakes.

2) Use “Thinking Time” Phrases.

Instead of freezing, use a short phrase while your brain prepares the answer:

That's a great question! I've never really thought about that before I'm not an expert but I'd say...

3) If You Don't Know, Ask.

Don't pretend to know something you don't. It's okay to ask for help. There are no stupid questions!

Copy-Paste Expressions:

Thinking Time
"I'm not 100% sure, but…”
"That's an interesting take but I think...”
“I’ve never thought about that but..."
"If I had to guess, I would say..."

Clarifying
“Could you say that again a little more slowly?”
“Can you explain what ___ means?”
“What do you mean by ___?”
“So, if I understand correctly, you mean…”

Checking your English
“Does that sound natural?”
“What’s a more natural way to say that?”
“How would you improve on that?”
"Is there a better way of saying that?"

After Class:

A lot of people leave the lesson and only remember their mistakes. Remember to compliment yourself, too.

After class, take 2 minutes to think about: