Today I had my first ever lesson on Italki. Regarding my performance, I have to say that it went really badly, and I want to share here the problems that I faced.
Firstly, I kept on forgetting the words that I already know, for these reason I constantly ran out of words. This was even more frustrating because the words that slipped my mind were from a very basic vocabulary, i.e. words I'm sure I know by heart. For instance, I forgot how to say "neighborhood" or "wall"! Secondly, I lacked linking words -or at least a handful of them-, which causes a hesitant, all in all, unfluent speaking. Some linking words that my tutor suggested, and that I hope to implement, are: "Similarly, despite, since, as well as". Again, I know already those words but when I try to speak I just forget them. On the other hand, some words -actually some linking words!- were stuck in my head and I overused them, so my speech sounded at times repetitive. Those expressions were: "for example" and "in terms of". To fix this last one problem I thought that I will have to simply try to memorize some synonyms like "for instance", "namely", "with regard to" "concerning" and so on.
To sum up, I have a lot of work to do, but I'm glad that I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and committed myself to the challenge that is to speak in a foreign language.
Camila I enjoyed reading your reflection on working with your iTalki teacher. I have also used this website for lessons in German. This is a great way to learn and it really helps. In my experience it gets easier and you will feel more comfortable with time.
You might try a synonym/antonym dictionary in English, which is a nice way to spice up your vocabulary. It also helps you understand vocabulary without having to rely on a complex definition, since you already have a lot of vocabulary built up this is a nice way to learn more words quickly.
Hey Camila, great job on your first post! I can definitely relate to the frustration of forgetting simple words and freezing up a bit when you try to speak. It happens to me all the time with my Spanish. I think it's just a matter of continuing to practice as much as you can and you'll get more comfortable.
Don't give up! It is pretty normal. When you read or write you have more time for the brain to process and "look for" the exact word. Keep going.
Thank you, @SeaTurtle, @stephster428, @Viviana, I really needed some words of encouragement!! It is always great to know that those situations are common while learning a new language.
This can happen any time. English is my first language. I've taught English a long time, but during my Masters degree, they taught us how to teach English without knowing the student's first language. Between that, and learning new languages myself, some days I just stand there, waving my hand in the air, hoping the word comes back in my head.