As an English language teacher, I often ask my pre-intermediate to upper-intermediate students to identify their weaknesses across the five core modules: grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Time and again, around 7 out of 10 students cite speaking as their greatest challenge. However, when I probe further, most attribute their speaking difficulties not to a lack of vocabulary knowledge but to a different underlying issue.

If you’re an English learner who constantly feels held back by an inability to “find the right words” when speaking, despite having a substantial vocabulary, this blog is for you. The perceived weakness might not actually stem from vocabulary limitations but from another factor that impedes fluent and articulate speech.

In this blog, I’ll explore the real reasons behind this common struggle and provide practical strategies to help you overcome it. You’ll learn techniques to enhance your speaking fluency, improve word retrieval, and gain confidence in expressing yourself more naturally, even with your current vocabulary repertoire.

So, if you resonate with the frustration of knowing words but still feeling stuck in mid-conversation, unable to produce the precise vocabulary you desire, keep reading. Together, we’ll unlock the key to transforming your spoken English from hesitant to impressively fluent and articulate.

There are a few reasons why even good EFL/ESL students at high levels may feel that their speaking is a problem due to not finding the right words:

1. Vocabulary limitations: While advanced students have a large vocabulary, there are always gaps, especially with more specialized or academic vocabulary. When they can’t retrieve the precise word they want to express a particular concept or idea, it can disrupt their fluency and make them feel their speaking is inadequate.

• Word retrieval issues: Even if students know a word, retrieval from memory can be difficult, especially under pressure in spontaneous speech situations. This temporary inaccessibility of vocabulary can make them feel their speaking ability is lacking.

• Register mismatches: Students may know formal vocabulary from studying texts, but lack the more informal, idiomatic expressions used in casual conversation. This mismatch between their vocabulary knowledge and appropriate register for certain speech situations can hinder fluency.

• First language interference: If the first language has different semantic mappings or lexical gaps compared to English, students may struggle to find the precise English translation equivalents when speaking.

• Fossilization: Habits of using certain simplifications or vocabulary avoidance strategies may have fossilized, making advanced students feel they lack the right words even at higher levels.

• High self-standards: The high expectations and perfectionism of advanced students can make them hypercritical of their perceived vocabulary limitations in speech, even if their speaking is fluent by objective standards.

• Code-switching demands: When speaking requires frequent switching between academic and casual registers, or moving between multiple languages, the cognitive load increases vocabulary retrieval difficulties.

Overcoming these perceived vocabulary deficiencies in speaking often requires focused practice aimed at expanding active productive vocabulary, as well as building familiarity with a wide range of vocabulary across registers and domains.

So How Can We Overcome To Fluency?

A simple strategy to overcome this “finding the right word” struggle is:

The “Just Keep Talking” Technique

Instead of getting flustered trying to retrieve the perfect word, train yourself to keep the conversation flowing by using circumlocution – describing or explaining the concept you can’t immediately label.

For example:

• Use general words (“thing”, “stuff”, “make/do”) as placeholder nouns/verbs
• Describe the word (“It’s that round object used in sports…”)
• Give examples or comparisons related to the word’s meaning

The key is to not let word retrieval delays derail your speech. By continuing to express your ideas through descriptions and explanations when a word doesn’t come, you’ll reduce frustration, build fluency muscles, and leverage your existing vocabulary more effectively.

With consistent practice staying in the flow, you’ll find the “retrieval roadblock” happens less often as words are more automatically accessible.

The emphasis shifts from always producing the dictionary-perfect word to clearly communicating your overall message without as many stressful retrieval delays.

Added Value

While the “Just Keep Talking” technique is highly effective, don’t overlook the immense value of professional language lessons. Consistent practice with an experienced instructor is vital for taking your fluency to the next level. Talking, especially spontaneous conversation, is the key to mastering spoken proficiency.

Why not seize the opportunity and book a lesson right now? During our session, we can explore a topic of your choice and engage in impromptu small talk straight off the top of our heads. This practical application will allow you to implement the strategies we discussed in a supportive environment. You’ll experience firsthand how seamlessly you can navigate conversations without getting hung up on finding every precise word. It’s the perfect way to build confidence in your ever-improving fluency.

Investing in professional guidance combined with implementing techniques like circumlocution can unlock breakthrough progress in your spoken English abilities. Embrace the chance to refine your skills today – you have everything to gain from taking this proactive step forward. I’m excited to guide you on this empowering journey.

Remember: Practice Makes Perfect😊 You’re doing very well to achieve these levels, so pat yourself on the back, well done!!