(2 min) It’s Not Your English: Why People Don’t Understand You (Even When You Speak Well)

Many people speak English well, yet still panic when someone says, “Sorry, could you repeat that?” In this short episode of Speak English with Confidence, previously 'From Lost to the River', I explain why these moments often have nothing to do with your English level.

You’ll learn the hidden variables in communication that affect understanding: background noise, distractions in the listener’s mind, technical issues on video calls, and the simple fact that people are often in their own head. When someone doesn’t understand you, it’s usually because they weren’t fully present, not because your English was wrong.

This episode will help you stop overthinking, stop blaming yourself, and speak with more confidence in meetings, presentations, and real‑time conversations.

If this resonates, you’ll find more conversations, coaching options, and my new book More Than Words: Essays on Language, Identity, and the Courage to Speak at procoachenglish.com.

Connect with me on Substack.