How to Speak Up in Class When English Is Not Your First Language

ByGenevive Bjorn

In many English-speaking universities, talking in class is part of learning, and sometimes part of your grade. Instructors may expect you to answer questions, share opinions, disagree politely, and ask questions when something is unclear. If you studied in a system where students mostly listened, this can feel uncomfortable or even disrespectful at first.

Speaking up is a skill you can build. You do not need perfect English to participate well. You need a few reliable strategies and some practice.

Why Participation Matters

  • It may be graded. Check the syllabus for a participation grade and how it is measured.
  • It shows engagement. Instructors notice who contributes, which matters later for references and recommendation letters.
  • It helps you learn. Saying an idea out loud, and hearing responses, deepens understanding.

Prepare Before Class

Most of the work happens before you walk in. Complete the reading, then write down two or three things you could say: a point you agreed with, a question, or a connection to your own experience or country. Having notes in front of you makes it much easier to speak when the moment comes.

Start Small

Your first contribution does not need to be a long argument. Try one of these:

  • Ask a clarifying question: “Could you explain what you meant by…?”
  • Build on a classmate: “I agree with Maria’s point, and I would add that…”
  • Offer an example: “In my country, this works a little differently. For example…”
  • Summarize: “So if I understand correctly, the main argument is…”

Speaking early in the discussion, within the first ten minutes, often helps. The longer you wait, the harder it can feel to start.

Useful Phrases

To agree:        “That’s a good point, and…”
To disagree:     “I see it a bit differently. I think…”
To add:          “Building on that…”
To ask:          “Could you say more about…?”
To buy time:     “That’s an interesting question. Let me think…”
To check:        “Just to make sure I understand…”

Disagreeing politely is normal and often welcome in seminars. Focus on the idea, not the person, and give a reason.

If You Worry About Your Accent

Many students hold back because they worry about their accent or making grammar mistakes. Instructors and classmates are usually far more interested in your ideas than in perfect pronunciation. Speak a little more slowly than feels natural, and if someone asks you to repeat, rephrase rather than repeating the same words faster. If you experience unfair treatment because of your accent, that is not your failure; consider talking with your instructor, an advisor, or your international student office.

Talk to Your Instructor

If speaking in large groups is hard, tell your instructor during office hours. Many will help, for example by giving you a question in advance or recognizing contributions in small-group work or online discussion boards. Instructors cannot support you if they do not know.

Track Your Progress

Set a small goal, such as speaking once in each class for two weeks, then twice. Notice what went well. Confidence usually follows practice, not the other way around.

This guide is part of Confident on Campus, the student section of International Student Success. For a complete guide to communication at English-speaking universities, see Effective Communication and Academic Success for International Students by Genevive Bjorn and Clara Fangfang Ma (Routledge, 2026).

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