How to Speak English Confidently in a Virtual Classroom

Let’s face the reality: speaking in class is hard. Speaking in English in front of the camera, via Zoom, with awkward silence and frequent broken WiFi feels much scarier.

If you’ve ever mute yourself to avoid being called or practiced answers ten times only to panic when your name is called, you’re not alone.

But here’s the reality: you can be confident speakers, even in a virtual classroom. The key is practice, the right mindset, and using the right strategy. This guide will help you find a simple and practical way to speak confidently in any virtual classroom environment.

1. Everyone Feels Awkward at First

You guys are not weird because you feel embarrassed in front of the camera. In fact, most people even those who are already fluent in English find it awkward when speaking in a virtual class. It’s not just about language, it’s also about seeing yourself on screen, not knowing when to speak, and dealing with technological lag.

Once you realize this is normal, you will stop feeling like a freak. The trick is to stay present and keep talking.

2. Focus on Being Understood, Not Perfect

You don’t need perfect grammar to speak well. You just need to convey your intentions.

Too many students freeze for trying to say everything right. Even though that is not the goal, communication is the main thing. If people understand you, you have won. Even if you mix up tenses or use the wrong preposition, that’s okay.

The more you talk, your grammar will improve over time. But if you never speak, your progress will be stopped.

3. Warm Up Before Speaking

Want to sound more fluent in class? Warm up like an athlete before starting.

Try reading paragraphs aloud, speaking to yourself in English when setting up a study table, or say some tongue twisters. This little warm-up wakes up your brain and mouth so that the English comes out more smoothly when class starts.

4. Use the Chat Box First

Still too nervous to talk? No problem. Use the chat feature as a first step.

When the teacher asks, type in your answer. Then challenge yourself to unmute and read what you write aloud. This takes away the pressure of spontaneous thinking but still helps you talk.

This simple strategy builds confidence without throwing you too deep.

5. Record Yourself Speaking

It’s weird, but it’s very powerful. Recording yourself helps you hear how you really sound and realize what needs to be improved.

Start small. Choose a simple topic, record yourself speaking for a minute, and watch it again. Don’t be too critical. Just pay attention to one thing you do well and one thing that needs to be improved.

Doing this a few times a week will make you feel bolder, clearer, and better prepared for a real class discussion.

6. Prepare Useful Phrases

Ever been stuck in the middle of a sentence because you don’t know what to say next? This is where your “talking toolbox” comes in handy.

Fill in phrases like:

• “I’m not sure, but I think…”
• “Can I add something?”
• “Let me explain.”

Practicing this first gives you a ready-made tool that you can use anytime you speak. Result? Fewer awkward pauses and more smoothness.

7. Turn Off Your Self-View

Sometimes the biggest distraction is not the lesson but your own face.

Most platforms allow you to hide your appearance. Use this feature. When you stop staring at yourself, you will stop worrying about your appearance or voice and focus more on what you are saying.

Those small changes in settings can do wonders for your confidence.

8. Ask More Questions

Don’t wait to be asked something, be the one to ask.

Asking questions helps you practice speaking, staying engaged, and showing leadership. Even if you already understand something, asking thoughtful questions helps keep the conversation going and gives you more opportunities to talk.

Try:

• “Could you give another example?”
• “What’s the difference between these two?”
• “How do I use this in real life?”

It’s a simple trick that turns you from passive listeners to confident participants.

9. Lead in the Breakout Room

Breakout rooms feel awkward for everyone, especially when no one wants to start a conversation.

So be the one to start. Say, “Should we introduce ourselves?” or “Who wants to go first?” There is no need to overdo it. You just need to break the silence.

Being the one to lead even if it’s just a little bit makes you more comfortable, and others will appreciate it too.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Speaking a full sentence without freezing? Good.

Trying a new phrase in class? Even better.

Don’t panic when your name is called? You guys are great.

Don’t wait for perfect grades to feel proud. Celebrate small wins every day. Write, say it out loud, or share it with friends. These small wins build long-term confidence.

11. Ask for Clear Feedback

Instead of asking, “Was that okay?” try something more specific like:

• “Was my pronunciation clear?”
• “Did I use the correct verb tense?”

Specific feedback helps you grow faster and shows teachers that you care. More importantly, it gives you something concrete to work on rather than just guessing.

Confidence grows when you feel like you know where you’re going.

12. Practice Outside the Classroom

The secret to speaking confidently in class? Talk more outside of class.

Watch the show in English. Speak to yourself when doing homework. Join an online forum. Change your phone’s language. The more you use English in your daily life, the more natural it will feel in the classroom.

Think of English as a muscle the more often it is used, the stronger it will be.

13. Remember Your “Why”

Maybe you want to travel. Or apply for a university abroad. Or get a job that requires English.

Whatever your reason, keep it front and center. Write. Paste it on a sticky note. Tell yourself before class.

When you remember why you are studying, you will find the motivation to get past the nervousness and talk over and over again.

14. Boost Your Confidence with IELC

If you’re ready to feel more confident, fluent, and fluent in your English, IELC is here to help.

At IELC, we offer online English classes that are really fun. No boring grammar practice. Without long talks. Only real and engaging conversations designed to help you speak naturally and confidently.

Our small classes and expert teachers ensure everyone gets a chance to speak up and grow. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS, planning to study abroad, or just want to speak English better for everyday life, IELC is your launching pad.

Thousands of Indonesian students have transformed their English at IELC. You can be next.

Ready to stop muting yourself in class?

Join IELC today and start speaking with confidence online, in the classroom, and in life.

Want to be fluent in English?

Most people in Indonesia are embarrassed to speak English in public. They are afraid of making mistakes and not being confident when it comes to speaking in English.

This is the result of teaching English wrong!

Not only do they lose time and money, but even worse they get a false foundation of language that is difficult to fix. Eventually, they become bored and lose confidence.

This is a fatal mistake!

#1 English Courses in Indonesia

At IELC, we teach English the right way so that you can speak quickly with confidence and fluency. These are the skills you need to maximize your potential and achieve your dreams in the future.

In our modern learning environment, you will feel comfortable and free to express yourself.

Don’t worry, our teachers will guide you every step of the learning process to ensure you get the best learning results.

IELC is the #1 English Language Campus in Indonesia. We provide English courses for children, adolescents, and adults as follows:

• Kids online classes
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• Children’s on-campus classes
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• Online and on-campus TOEFL iBT classes

Whether online or on-campus, we’ll give you the skills you’ll need in the future. Contact us today and take the first step to becoming smooth and confident.

Greeting

Anthony McCormick

IELC Managing Director