Problem and Solution Essay Examples: Why Is Conversational Confidence Essential?

A problem-solution essay sample is a perfect tool in learning the essay writing technique. Thanks to a well-structured problem solution essay example, students can learn how to write an introduction, a body, and a final paragraph for free. They find out how and where to provide a problem and solutions to it effectively.

Solution Essay Example: Why Is Conversational Confidence Essential?

English is one of the most popular languages in the world. It is a mandatory subject in 142 countries. 41 countries offer this language as an optional discipline. Many kindergartens include English into their program to let small learners memorize words and develop the so-called lingual intuition. It happens when people understand the meaning of an unknown word with the help of context or situation. Lack of conversational confidence is one of the top reasons why people cannot speak English after finishing learning courses and school years. As a result, students are not able to make up dialogs, give speeches, pass IELTS, and master a foreign language on the required level. A student should find an effective method to solve that problem. Six ideas might be helpful in developing conversational confidence.

To begin with, learners should try to use a foreign language as much as possible. For example, Indonesian students were afraid to participate in conversations. They feared making phonetic and grammatical mistakes. All languages have their grammar and specific pronunciation features. For instance, German prevails in back vowels while English [æ], [i], [e], [ǝປ] are front. To feel more confident, a student should listen to English dialogs, songs, and speeches frequently. Afterward, it is necessary to memorize and record the memorized examples. Finally, a student should compare original and self-made records. They should not differ a lot. It is hard to get rid of an accent, but daily practice can make it possible. One should not be afraid of mistakes while mastering a language. Chef cooks need years to get a job in a prestigious restaurant. However, even professionals waste products from time to time. The main thing is not to give up and go on practicing.

The second solution is to broaden one’s scope. People who do not read, watch the news, and know nothing of topics that interest people never feel cozy when talking with someone. When a group of people starts discussing literature, an ignorant person will keep silent. That is why one should research, find intriguing novels, read news, and get acquainted with trendy things. Of course, one must not overdo it. Nobody likes individuals who show off or want to humiliate others saying ‘You didn’t know that?! Shame on you!’ One should focus on relevant issues to harmonize with the surrounding. If language learners study abroad, they should research cultural and historical aspects of the foreign country. Native speakers might be glad to discuss their customs and traditions. Besides, people can talk about three topics in any situation. These are art (music, movies, literature), hobbies, and mainstreams in different life areas. The topic choice should depend on the situation.

The third recommendation is to join a language club or a group that concentrates their discussions on things that can be interesting to a learner. It could be a club devoted to politics, economics, environmental problems, fashion, paper writing, sports events, and others. Catchy topics let people memorize more words in a short period because students see the reason. They know that this vocabulary will help them in conversations. The words will be used frequently. Such clubs motivate students to learn because they deal with practice instead of dull theory. Some books still include texts and videos about DVDs, cassette recorders, and disks that are not used anymore. Those who read such texts feel bored because they see no sense in memorizing both the given information and lexical units.

The next method is to practice speaking slower. Everyone has at least once seen a speech of a politician or an influencer on TV or social media tools. Most of them make pauses and use medium speech speed while proposing an idea or a product that a target audience would like to buy. When people speak slower, they have enough time to ponder on each word and prevent mistakes. Moreover, they sound more self-confident than fast speakers, who sound as if they want to stop this nightmare as soon as possible. Slow speakers have time to pronounce each word correctly. The best method is to stand in front of the mirror and give a speech to observe personal gestures, mimics, and word pronunciation. Learners can compare them with the performance of native speakers to see and hear the difference.

The fifth approach to gaining conversational self-confidence is to ask someone to criticize your speaking manner. It often happens that many students don’t understand the reason for their speech failure. That is why they need someone who can spot problems with a detailed evaluation. For example, one can create problem-solving situations. It is possible to use a template to practice. When learners fail to make up conversations because of fears, self-confident students should share their methods of coping with them. They should try to identify the speaking problem (poor vocabulary, word mispronouncing, lack of grammar knowledge) and tell learners about them. If you know the problem, you will be able to find the solution.

The next method is helpful for those who are going to participate in discussions or give a speech. One should take a sample of a discussion or speech and analyze it. The next task is to use mapping to format and structure one’s message. To feel confident, one must have strong evidence and facts that will help in case someone doubts the value of the message. If one faces a serious confrontation attack, it will be necessary to use questions to calm down and think of strong answers. Besides, questions puzzle opponents, and they lose the point of the argument.

So, self-confidence is not an inborn habit. One needs time and effort to develop it. The main rule is to find the most effective method or use all of them to guarantee success. Besides, one should remember that only practicing is effective. Conversational skills die when a person keeps silent for long.

References:

1. “Can We Talk? Approaching Difficult Conversations with Confidence.” EDUCAUSE, er.educause.edu/blogs/2016/6/can-we-talk-approaching-difficult-conversations-with-confidence. Accessed 31 Jan. 2022
2. Council, Forbes Coaches. “15 Ways You Can Find The Confidence To Speak Up.” Forbes, 10 Dec. 2021, www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/10/25/15-ways-you-can-find-the-confidence-to-speak-up/?sh=36cd1eeb17a7
3. “Countries in Which English Language Is a Mandatory or an Optional Subject (Interactive) | Global English Education Policy | The University of Winnipeg.” UWinnipeg, www.uwinnipeg.ca/global-english-education/countries-in-which-english-is-mandatory-or-optional-subject.html. Accessed 31 Jan. 2022
4. DeMers, Jayson. “7 Conversational Tricks to Appear More Confident.” Inc.Com, 6 Feb. 2020, www.inc.com/jayson-demers/7-conversational-tricks-to-appear-more-confident.html
5. Petty, Art. “4 Steps to Strengthen Your Self-Confidence for Challenging Conversations.” Management Excellence by Art Petty, 11 Feb. 2018, artpetty.com/2018/02/11/self-confidence-and-challenging-conversations
6. Verbal Advantage: Conversation Confidence Bundle. Brilliance Audio, 2016
7. Vierstra, Gretchen. “Trouble Making Conversation: Why It Happens.” Understood, 29 Mar. 2021, www.understood.org/articles/en/trouble-making-conversation