Language training has been a staple in many organisations for years. Employees attend classes, pass tests, but when it comes to speaking on the shop floor or in meetings in English, French or German, they often stay silent.
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone.
According to research by the European Commission (2023), over 60% of European employees feel insecure speaking another language at work, even if they understand it well.
This language barrier affects communication, collaboration and self-confidence.
Fortunately, HR can make a real difference with a few targeted actions.
Why employees know the language but are afraid to speak it.
Most language courses focus on building up knowledge of the language: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures, pronunciation.
But speaking skills require confidence, not just knowledge of those components.
Many employees:
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are afraid of making mistakes in front of colleagues or clients;
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feel they must speak perfectly before contributing;
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were never given enough opportunities to practise in a safe environment.
Without confidence, employees prefer to remain silent, meaning their knowledge of the language rarely translates into effective communication.
*Source: European Commission "Languages at Work in Europe" report, 2023.
5 practical tips to overcome speaking barriers.
1. Create a safe practice environment
Foster a culture where mistakes are seen as part of learning. Encourage managers to speak imperfectly themselves, which will lower the threshold for everyone.
Tip: start team meetings in the target language, but don’t emphasise perfection.
2. Encourage micro-practice opportunities
Practice doesn’t always have to be formal. Short, regular burst also count: a coffee chat in English, a safety briefing in French, or a weekly topic focusing on one team language.
Regularity matters more than intensity.
3. Link language training to realistic situations
Have employees practise scenarios that reflect their actual work:
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customer calls
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briefings to colleagues
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safety meetings
This makes the language more relevant and motivates employees to speak.
4. Use peer learning
Pair up employees with different language backgrounds. A weekly language buddy session helps employees learn faster and feel more at ease.
HR can facilitate these short practice sessions easily.
5. Use technology to strengthen speaking confidence
AI tools allow employees to practise freely, without pressure or judgement.
BLCC Conversation Coach offers:
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unlimited speaking practice with an AI coach
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personalised feedback on pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar
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exercises and challenges relevant to employees’ level and role
By combining traditional training with continuous, accessible speaking practice, HR can sustainably lower speaking barriers across teams.
BLCC Conversation Coach: from knowledge to daring to speak.
BLCC Conversation Coach was developed as an extension of language training courses.
The app allows your employees to:
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practise anytime, anywhere
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speak about relevant topics
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receive immediate feedback from an AI coach
For HR, this means:
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greater impact from existing language training
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higher retention of learning outcomes
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noticeably more confident employees
Find out how BLCC Conversation Coach helps your teams grow
Ready to lower speaking barriers in your organisation?
Contact us for tailor-made advice, no obligation.
Together, we’ll explore how the BLCC Conversation Coach can strengthen your existing language training and help employees communicate more confidently.
Contact us