What mostly gets in the way when it comes to actually putting your Spanish skills into practice?

Question

Is it being afraid of making a mistake? Afraid the other person may laugh?

Answer 1

Speaking in a language that is not your own can be a very uncomfortable prospect. The fact that the other person may laugh or find it amusing is a possibility, however most of the discomfort comes from not being in control. There is a level of embarrassment involved when we are not understood. It can feel like you are helpless and not in the control of the situation. The best way to maintain calm is to take a deep breath if the other person is confused and not understanding you. Maintain a friendly demeanor (a frustrated stance may discourage the other person from communicating with you), and remember to give yourself some grace. You are attempting to communicate in a language that is not your own. Spanish has very particular accents and sentence structure that is much different from English, for example. Making it a more pleasurable experience while you are learning, such as having someone to help you, can make all the difference in putting your skills to practice.