Language Learning and Self-Confidence
- Cornelia
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
We’ve all been in situations where we try to use our language skills, but before we know it, our mouth goes dry, and the words come out jumbled or unrecognizable—so different from the perfect pronunciation and sentence structure we imagined in our heads. Sometimes, the people we’re speaking to react with impatience or frustration, making us feel even more self-conscious.
Most language learners experience this at some point. And sometimes, these moments can leave a lasting impact, making us hesitant to try again. Just thinking about speaking can bring up anxiety, making us avoid situations where we might struggle.
But what if these experiences could help us grow? Instead of shutting down, we can choose to take a deep breath, rephrase, and keep going. Confidence in language learning is something we build by overcoming challenges—and a big part of that is the self-talk happening in our minds.
If your inner voice says, "That didn’t go well, but at least I tried," it creates a completely different experience than hearing, "I’ll never be able to do this—I’m a failure." That internal dialogue is shaped by past experiences, culture, and upbringing.
How EFT (Tapping) Can Help
With EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), we can explore these inner voices and uncover the root causes of our confidence struggles. For example, maybe you once struggled to make a doctor’s appointment in a foreign language, and the sigh on the other end of the phone made you feel small. Or maybe you had a childhood experience where a teacher made you read aloud repeatedly, and you felt humiliated. These moments can leave emotional imprints that affect us years later.
By tapping on specific meridian points while recalling these situations, we send calming signals to the brain, soothing the nervous system. This allows us to process and release emotions like shame, embarrassment, or frustration. As we let go of these old emotional blocks, we create space for more ease, self-acceptance, and confidence.
Through EFT, we can also define what self-confidence means for us. How would we act, speak, and carry ourselves if we truly felt confident? Tapping helps us anchor these new feelings, making language learning a more enjoyable and less intimidating process.
Tapping Script for Self-Confidence in Language Learning
Step 1: Tune In
Before you start, take a moment to check in with yourself. Think about a specific situation that made you feel anxious or embarrassed while speaking a foreign language. Rate the emotional intensity of this memory on a scale from 0 (no intensity) to 10 (overwhelming). This will help you track your progress as you tap.
Step 2: First Round – Acknowledging the Feelings
Setup Statements:
Even though I felt so uncomfortable in that situation and just wanted to escape, I am open to having compassion for myself.
Even though I felt embarrassed when they looked at me and I couldn’t get the words out, right here and right now, I am okay.
Even though I felt ashamed when I saw their reaction, I choose to acknowledge my feelings and know I am safe now.
Tapping Points:
Top of the head: The look on their face
Eyebrow point: I feel so embarrassed
Side of the eye: I feel it in my throat/chest/stomach
Under the eye: I couldn’t get the words out
Under the nose: Feeling ashamed
Under the lips: The look on their face
Collarbone point: I just want to get away
Under the arm: I don’t want to be here
As you tap, allow yourself to really feel the emotions and sensations that come up. Recall the sounds, expressions, and reactions in as much detail as possible.
Step 3: Going Deeper – Revisiting the Past
If a childhood memory or earlier experience surfaces, use this modified round:
Setup Statements:
Even though, when I was six years old, [describe the event], I am open to having compassion for my younger self.
Even though I felt deep embarrassment and shame, I know I am safe now.
Even though I just wanted to disappear, I am choosing to acknowledge my emotions and release them.
Tapping Points:
Top of the head: The look on their face
Eyebrow point: I felt so embarrassed
Side of the eye: I feel it in my throat/chest/stomach
Under the eye: The words they said
Under the nose: Feeling ashamed
Under the lips: The look on their face
Collarbone point: I just wanted to get away
Under the arm: I didn’t want to be there
Step 4: Rebuilding Confidence
Once you've processed the difficult emotions, it's time to shift toward confidence and self-acceptance.
Setup Statements:
Even though I still have work to do and I don’t speak perfectly, I am open to accepting myself as I am.
Even though I still make mistakes, I acknowledge how far I’ve come and am proud of my progress.
Even though speaking a foreign language can feel challenging, I choose to be patient and kind to myself.
Tapping Points:
Top of the head: I’ve already come a long way
Eyebrow point: Maybe I can be open to more ease
Side of the eye: Maybe I can allow a little humor in
Under the eye: Maybe I can be more patient with myself
Under the nose: Maybe I can accept this process
Under the lips: Maybe it’s okay to make mistakes
Collarbone point: Maybe I can be okay with where I am
Under the arm: Maybe I don’t need to be perfect
Step 5: Reflection
After tapping, take another deep breath and check in with yourself. Re-rate the emotional intensity of the memory you worked on. Has it shifted? Do you feel a little lighter or more at ease?
Jot down any insights, memories, or feelings that surfaced during the session. You may have had an aha moment, realized a pattern, or felt a new sense of clarity.
Final Thought: Even if you still make mistakes, tapping can help you feel more at ease with the process. Language learning is a journey, and mistakes are part of it. The more we release our fears and self-doubt, the easier and more enjoyable it becomes.
📩 Want to try EFT for yourself? Join my free monthly EFT for Language Learning session and experience the benefits first-hand!
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