Why confidence matters more than perfect grammar

Is the fear of mistakes holding you back? You are not alone

4/9/2025

five people sitting at table and talking
five people sitting at table and talking

Why Confidence Matters More Than Perfect Grammar

When I ask my clients what it is they worry about most when having a conversation in English, there's a common response.

They worry about making a mistake and being judged for it.

Sound familiar?

If this is you, I have a very important message...

You don’t need perfect grammar or pronunciation to sound confident in English!

In fact, even native English speakers make all sorts of mistakes during conversations. And does anyone care?! No!

Confidence is key

You have probably studied English for a long time. You know all the rules. (Also you are bored of reading about the present perfect!) But when it comes to real-life conversations—especially in the workplace—you hesitate.

Why?

Because the fear of mistakes feels bigger than the need to communicate.

Speaking English with confidence is a skill you can build with:

- Practice in real-life situations

- A shift in focus (from grammar rules → natural communication)

- Repetition of useful phrases until they become second nature

Confidence in Practice

Let’s say you join a call and someone says:

“How was your weekend?”

Don't overthink your reply.

Instead of worrying about grammar and vocabulary, try a simple response:

“It was great, thanks. I went out for dinner with my family on Saturday. How about you?”

✔️ Natural

✔️ Simple

✔️ Keeps the conversation going

My tip for this week to Achieve English Confidence is:

Aim for connection over perfection.

Ask yourself:

“How can I connect with this person?”

Keep it simple and don't overthink it.

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What holds you back from speaking confidently in English?

Please keep going. You’re doing better than you think.