Why Won’t My Students Speak? How to Get Shy Kids Talking in English

Why Won’t My Students Speak? How to Get Shy Kids Talking in English

One of the biggest challenges English teachers face in Asia is getting students to speak. Many kids hesitate to use English, even when they understand what’s being said. You ask a question, and instead of answering, they freeze up, whisper to a friend, or just stay silent.

So, why is this happening? And more importantly, how can we fix it?

In this post, we’ll break down the three biggest reasons students refuse to speak and how to create a classroom environment that encourages them to use English with confidence.

1. Fear of Making Mistakes

Why it happens:In many Asian countries, education systems focus on getting the right answer and avoiding mistakes. Students are afraid of looking foolish in front of their peers, and this fear stops them from trying.

How to fix it:

✅ Celebrate mistakes – Make errors part of the learning process. Praise students for trying, even if they’re wrong.

✅ Use humor – If you make mistakes yourself, laugh about it and show them that errors are normal and nothing to be afraid of.

✅ Avoid instant correction – Instead of interrupting and correcting a mistake immediately, let them finish their sentence, then gently guide them toward the right way to say it.

The more comfortable students feel making mistakes, the more they will speak up.

2. They Don't Know What to Say

Why it happens:Sometimes, students do want to speak, but they don’t know how to express their thoughts in English. They get stuck and end up saying nothing.

How to fix it:

✅ Give them sentence starters – Instead of just asking, “What do you like?” give them a structure: “I like ___ because ___.”

✅ Use pictures and prompts – Showing a visual cue makes it easier for students to respond naturally.

✅ Teach useful chunks, not just words – Instead of isolated vocabulary, teach whole phrases they can use immediately (e.g., "I think it's...," "Maybe it's...," "Can I have...?").

By lowering the mental effort required to form sentences, students will start speaking more confidently.

3. They Feel Uncomfortable Speaking in Front of Others

Why it happens:Speaking a second language can feel intimidating, especially in large classes where students feel like everyone is watching them.

How to fix it:

✅ Pair and group activities first – Before speaking in front of the class, let students practice in small groups or with a partner.

✅ Use whispering games – Have students whisper answers to you first before saying them aloud. This builds confidence gradually.

✅ Give them time to prepare – Allowing students to write or think about their answer before speaking reduces pressure.

When students feel safe and supported, they will speak more freely.

Final Thoughts: Build Confidence, Not Pressure

If your students aren’t speaking, it’s not because they don’t want to learn—it’s because they lack confidence. By making small adjustments to your teaching style, you can create a classroom where speaking feels natural, fun, and safe.

✅ Make mistakes okay

✅ Give them easy ways to start talking

✅ Create a supportive speaking environment

The more students enjoy speaking English, the faster they will improve. Try these techniques in your next class and see the difference! 🚀