Today we’re tackling a topic that many people who speak English as a second language secretly dread… small talk. Our last two episodes talked about the number one fear of many people, and that’s public speaking in front of a group. But, small talk and speaking one on one with someone you don’t know well can be just as intimidating.

If English is not your first language, small talk can feel confusing, unnecessary, or even exhausting. You might think, “Why am I talking about the weather with this person when there’s real work to do?” Well, here’s the answer: small talk isn’t small at all. It’s a social bridge—and learning how to cross it can completely change how confident and connected you feel with native English speakers.

Presenting to a group of your medical peers is nerve-wracking enough, and if you speak English as a second language, that adds a whole new challenge. If this describes you, I’ve got advice that will help you meet that challenge, and overcome it. You’ve got the potential to become fluent and fearless. So let’s do this.

If you’ve ever felt your heart race, your mouth go dry, or your mind go blank right before a presentation at work… you are not alone. Even highly skilled professionals experience these symptoms when it’s public speaking time. It's called stage fright, performance anxiety, or microphone phobia. However you frame it, this pre-show panic attack is not a lot of fun! But, here’s the good news: this nervousness is not a flaw. When you learn how to manage it, something interesting happens. You don’t just feel calmer, you actually become a better speaker. Join Katherine Arthur as she shares 10 practical, realistic tips to help you reduce stage fright during workplace presentations, and use that nervous energy to your advantage.