So you have been really practicing your English for the past few months. You have fine-tuned your listening skills and can follow most of a conversation.  You are ready to take the plunge and start a conversation with a stranger.

You pull up your socks, find a friendly looking face and rattle off your question with confidence. You are feeling on top of the world. And then the response comes back. Faster and a little more confusing then you had expected and before you know it, looking down at your shoes seems the most interesting thing to do.

If the conversation goes too fast when you are trying your best to practise English, there are some phrases that can help you out.  Read on for a few of them:

• What did you say?
• Could you repeat that?
• Pardon?
• Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
• Could you speak a little slower?
• I don’t understand.
• Could you explain that differently, please?
• Sorry?

For many people, speaking in a foreign language can be the hardest part of the whole process.  The words make sense in your head but by the time they make it to your mouth they are one big jumble of craziness. What are some phrases that can get you out of this situation? Read on to find a few:

• I’m sorry; my English is not so good.
• I’m learning English.
• I don’t know the word in English… (This gives you a moment to think or to try and say what you want to say in a different way.  Or if all else fails, you can always act it out!)

Remember, most people don’t mind slowing down or being patient when you are trying to speak a language that is not your native one.  The other key to remember is that when things get jumbled up, take a deep breath and speak in short, simple sentences.  These are a bit easier to manage when the pressure is on and you will still be perfectly understood.  Oh, and keep practising!  That’s important too.

Good luck!