3 Reasons You Know the Words But Still Can’t Hold an English Conversation

1️⃣ You focus on single words, not real phrases

Knowing “vocabulary” is not the same as knowing how to use it.When you only remember individual words, your brain has to work overtime to build a sentence — while the other person is waiting.

What to do instead: Learn short, ready-to-use phrases like:

• “That’s interesting, tell me more.”

• “Oh, I see what you mean.” These keep the conversation moving while you think of your next sentence.

  
  

2️⃣ You translate in your head

If you think in your native language first, you lose precious seconds. That pause can make you nervous — and nerves make your mind go blank.

What to do instead: Train yourself to think directly in English. One simple trick: describe what’s happening around you out loud in English — even when you’re alone. Example: “The coffee smells so good today.”

3️⃣ You run out of “next questions”

Conversations die when you don’t know what to say next. If you only answer questions but never ask, the talk ends quickly.

What to do instead: Prepare a few easy follow-up questions in advance:

• “How about you?”

• “What do you usually do on weekends?” This makes you sound friendly and keeps the dialogue alive.

  
  

💡 The good news? Speaking confidently is a skill — not a talent. With the right practice methods, you can learn how to start and keep conversations going.

📩 Want to master these techniques? Get my free guide “5 Real Steps to Finally Start Speaking English” —so your conversations never end after one sentence again.

👉 Download your free guide here