Courage to talk to someone in Spanish?

Question

Is anyone else just chipping away at the Spanish lessons here hoping that one day they will understand enough to have the courage to talk to someone in Spanish? I'm level B1 in the lessons, but probably A2 when it comes to writing, A1 when it comes to listening and A0 when it comes to converations!
I fully understand I won't ever be fluent unless I talk with Spanish people, but I'm level C2 at making up reasons why today just isn't the day.

Answer

Hola Paul,I understand what you feel about your speaking skills. I think anybody who studies a foreign language feels the same. I still remember how exciting and scary it was when I first came to England for a visit (many many years ago) and wasn't confident on the speaking. Any opportunity you have to speak Spanish you should take, maybe joining a conversation group online? what about an exchange who you can meet once a week? or (when things go back to normal) a short course in Spain where you can be immerse in its culture and have to speak in Spanish plus it is quite fun. SaludosInma

Answer

Hi PaulInma's advice is just perfect if you're stuck in your own country and cannot get away (as most of us are right now). Now, I bet if you could get to Spain you would want to visit all the sites? Madrid, Seville, the beaches, the islands.... But here's a trick I've done when I really want to crack the elusive conversation nut. You might try to find a place in Spain where no tourists go, so fewer people speak English. Try rent a room in a small town or village for a week or more, in a shared house or a small piso. Somewhere you have to get your own shopping, cook your own food etc. Basically, live like a Spaniard! You will soon be forced to make all that Spanish you've learned work for you, and I bet you'll find a lot of people will want to help you out too. Buenas suertes

Answer

Yep that’s me Paul. However I live most of my time in Spain and find that as my level is getting higher I am not so confident with my speaking skills. This is because where I live here in Murcia the language is very basic. Luckily I have friends from Madrid and Segovia who are slowly restoring my confidence.  I’m sure now I am able to meet people again I will feel more comfortable. Best of luck!

Answer

Thanks for all of the support, I have spent 3 months at a time in Spain twice now, but the big mistake was to stay near Valencia. Lovely as it is, the people who are in the tourist towns will want to speak English, as they are too busy with working to chat, and the people in the mountains speak Valenciano! I actually learned more Dutch than Spanish last time I was there. I will try harder!

Answer

I missed this great thread here until now...

Paul, just a very little something that I find helps me...

I force myself to think in Spanish, I go around my house pretending that I'm having a conversation in Spanish. I'll create imaginary situations and act them out in Spanish.

I know, it sounds crazy, haha, and I'm sure at times my neighbours think I've gone mad as a chatter away to myself!

That said, online Skype conversations with Spaniards is a great way to improve conversationally