Why Is It So Hard to Speak English Even When You Understand It?

You understand your favorite shows in their original version without any trouble, and song lyrics no longer slip past you, but when it comes to speaking English, you freeze up? Don’t worry — you’re far from alone.

And most importantly: it’s completely normal.

Understanding, speaking, writing: three very different stages

When learning a language, comprehension is often the first skill to develop. It's the foundation. But speaking requires a completely different effort: finding the right words, in the right order, in real time… The brain has to work quickly, and that takes practice. Writing is yet another step, involving more formal codes and an added layer of precision.

The real problem? Often, it’s the learning method itself.

You may have been taught English… backwards

Think back to your first English lessons: lists of irregular verbs, grammar rules, fill-in-the-blank exercises… Kind of like being asked to run before you've even learned how to walk.

But to unlock spoken language, you first need to get moving again. And for that, there’s nothing better than simple, fun, and accessible exercises.

Three tips to (re)gain fluency in speaking

Here are three easy ideas you can start using today:

1. Sing your favorite songs

Thanks to Spotify, YouTube, or Deezer, lyrics are just a click away. Pick a song you love and sing it without holding back. It’s a great way to work on intonation, pronunciation, and rhythm.

2. Read out loud

An article, a novel, even a LinkedIn post — the medium doesn’t matter. What’s important is training your brain to say the words, not just recognize them.

3. Speak with someone

A native English-speaking friend, a language exchange partner, or even a tool like ChatGPT can help you practice without pressure. The key is regular practice — even just a few minutes a day.

Bonus: Love as a learning environment?

Some say falling in love with an English speaker is the best form of immersion… It’s not a guaranteed method, but it has worked before!