And how writing can help you move through them — gently

You’ve been learning French for a while.
You read articles, understand podcasts, maybe even follow conversations.
But when it’s time to speak… your mind freezes.

No words. Just doubt.

You're not alone.

For most intermediate learners, the real problem is not grammar.
It’s fear. Quiet, invisible fear.
But the good news is: fear can be explored, written, and transformed.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the 5 most common fears that block oral expression — and offer you a gentle writing exercise for each one, to help you unlock your voice step by step.

“I’m afraid of making mistakes”

This fear is almost universal.
It often comes from school memories, where a mistake meant a red pen, a bad grade, or a disapproving look.

But in real life, mistakes are not failures.
They are signals that help you notice where your attention should go.

And most of all: you can still be understood, even with mistakes.

✍️ Writing prompt:
Write a letter to your 10-year-old self.
Tell them what you’re learning today. Give them permission to make mistakes.

Start with:

“I know you want to do everything right. But…”

“What if I don’t understand the answer?”

Speaking isn’t just about talking — it’s about listening, too.
And many learners fear this moment:

“What if someone replies… and I don’t understand a word?”

But real communication is messy. Even in your native language, you sometimes say:

“Sorry?”, “Can you repeat?”, “I didn’t get that.”

You’re allowed to ask for help. You’re still communicating.

✍️ Writing prompt:
Imagine a real-life situation: you say something in French, and the other person replies — too fast, too complex.
Write the scene.
Then write 2–3 simple French sentences you could say to keep the connection.

Examples:

“Tu peux répéter, s’il te plaît ?”
“Tu peux parler un peu plus lentement ?”

“I can’t find my words when I speak”

You know what you want to say… but in your head, it’s a fog. The words are there, but they won’t come out fast enough.

So you stay silent.

But looking for words is part of speaking.
It’s not a weakness — it’s a process.
Even native speakers pause, reformulate, take time.

✍️ Writing prompt:
Choose one emotion (anger, joy, tiredness…).
Write three short sentences about it in French. Then three longer ones.
Finally, read them out loud — slowly.

You are building a bridge between your thoughts and your voice.

“I feel ridiculous when I speak French”

This fear runs deep. It’s not just about language — it’s about identity.
Many learners feel like they become a smaller version of themselves in French.
Like they’re performing, not expressing.

But what if speaking French didn’t mean being “perfect”…
What if it just meant being you — in motion?

✍️ Writing prompt:
Write a short self-portrait in your native language.
Then write it again… in French.

Compare the two.
What changes? What remains?
What do you wish you could say in French to feel like yourself?

“I hate my accent”

You don’t like the way you sound in French.
It feels strange, not natural, “not French enough.”

But your accent is part of your story.
It’s not a mistake — it’s a trace of your journey.

And often… it’s more beautiful than you think.

✍️ Writing prompt:
Write a letter to your accent.
Tell it what you think, what you wish, what you feel.
Be honest — and maybe, tender.

You can begin with:

“Cher accent, you annoy me… but you’re also a part of me.”

🌿 Final thoughts

Fear doesn’t disappear by force.
But you can listen to it. Name it.
And write your way through it, gently and bravely.

Speaking French is not about being perfect.
It’s about showing up — with your doubts, your pauses, your own rhythm.

And sometimes, the safest way to begin… is by writing.

✉️ Want support each week?

Every Sunday, I send:

• A soft and clear writing prompt in French
• A short vocabulary list to help
• One gentle grammar tip
• A link to share your writing and receive kind feedback

It’s free, simple, and made for learners like you who want to express themselves — not just memorize rules.

👉 Join the French Writing Club here