Learning a language? Speak it like you’re playing a video game

Phuong Cao has been helping Malaysian and other Southeast Asians improve their English communication skills for the past two decades. Through training thousands of individuals in Southeast Asia, a surprising truth has been revealed. The ability to communicate effectively in English is not solely reliant on one's proficiency in the language, but rather on their attitude towards it. Despite having a low level of English, some individuals, like Faizal, can communicate exceptionally well. Faizal, a factory supervisor with very limited English skills, demonstrated remarkable communication abilities by actively listening and expressing his thoughts clearly and confidently. The key question is: what sets people like Faizal apart, and how can others achieve similar success in English communication? Reflecting on a personal experience from ten years ago, the similarities between a child's attitude towards learning the piano and many Malaysians' approach to English became evident. Just as the speaker's daughter detested piano lessons due to fear of making mistakes, many Malaysians approached English conversations with a similar sense of dread and fear of judgment based on their proficiency. Furthermore, individuals often compared their current English proficiency to an ideal standard, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite these parallels, the speaker observed that exceptional communicators like Faizal possess a unique mindset that enables them to communicate confidently and effectively in English. By drawing an analogy to observing a gamer in a cybercafe, the speaker highlighted the importance of focus and confidence in successful communication. Similar to the gamer's unwavering focus on achieving his goal without fear of judgment, individuals like Faizal approach English conversations with confidence and a focus on the desired outcome. This mindset allows them to engage with others without self-consciousness or preoccupation with mistakes. Through a personal encounter at a pharmacy, the speaker illustrated the stark contrast between individuals who speak English hesitantly, akin to playing the piano nervously, and those who communicate confidently, resembling a gamer immersed in their task. The encounter emphasized the significance of mindset and attitude in effective English communication.