Hmm… Um… I don’t know…

Hesitation.

This is a word that shows confusion, a lack of confidence, or a lack of knowledge. It's when we don’t know what to say. It can also happen when we are nervous.

Confidence is important when learning a language, because you will make mistakes, you will say the wrong thing, but if you have the confidence to keep trying, you will succeed. All confidence is, is continuing. Continuing to wake up in the morning and go to your English lesson. Continuing to go to work, university, or social events. Continuing to do it; because this is when you start to believe in yourself, having that conversation in English, going to that job interview, speaking English. You are saying to the world, “I’m doing this, I’m learning and growing, and this is important for me, I am important.”

If someone corrects you, they are probably just trying to help you, so don’t lose your confidence; be proud. It’s okay to say “I don’t understand.” Or “Can you say that a different way?” Or “Can you explain that to me?”

Usain Bolt didn’t become the fastest man in one day. It took time. It takes time. So be kind to yourself, and you will improve quickly.

“Worrying gets you nowhere. If you turn up worrying about how you're going to perform, you've already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself.” —Usain Bolt