How to Confidently Respond to “Do You Speak English?”

Intermediate Level | July 5, 2025

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Imagine you’re traveling, at a business event, or talking to someone new. They pause, look at you, and ask: “Do you speak English?”

What do you say?

If your first instinct is to freeze or just say “a little,” you’re not alone. But there’s a better way to answer that question—one that helps you sound confident and keeps the conversation going.

Today, we’ll learn how to respond to “Do you speak English?” in a way that builds confidence and connection.

Why This Question Matters

“Do you speak English?” isn’t just about your language skills—it’s a test of confidence. Many English learners answer with something like:

“Just a little.”
“Not very well.”
“I’m trying.”

These answers might be true, but they don’t help you connect. They usually stop the conversation.

Instead, you can respond with confidence—even if your English isn’t perfect.

How to Respond to “Do You Speak English?” with Confidence

Use this simple structure:

“Yes, I do. I’m still learning, but I can manage most conversations.”

Or:

“Yes, I speak English. I may not be fluent, but I enjoy using it at work and in meetings.”

These answers show that:

You’re not afraid.
You’re open to communicating.
You’re giving the other person permission to speak with you.

Add a Friendly Detail

To keep the conversation going, add one more sentence:

“I often listen to business podcasts in English.”
“I use English with my international clients.”
“I’m working on improving my speaking skills.”

This gives the other person something to respond to—and makes you more interesting to talk to.

Confidence Tip

Practice saying your answer out loud. Repeat it until it feels natural. Then, try using it in real conversations. A confident tone is just as important as the words you say.

Examples You Can Use

Here are three great replies to practice:

“Yes, I do. I use English at work, and I’m always looking for ways to improve.”
“Yes, I speak English. I still make mistakes sometimes, but I’m comfortable having conversations.”
“Yes, I do. I practice every day, especially with international clients and emails.”

Remember: You don’t need perfect grammar. You need a calm, clear voice and a willingness to try.

Quick Practice Exercise

Imagine someone just asked, “Do you speak English?”

Say your answer aloud. Then try another version. Try saying it three different ways.

Get comfortable with your answer so that when the moment comes, you’ll feel ready.

Vocabulary List

Instinct (noun) — A natural way of reacting.
Example: My instinct was to say no, but I paused and smiled instead.
Fluent (adjective) — Able to speak a language easily and accurately.
Example: She’s fluent in both English and French.
Permission (noun) — The okay to do something.
Example: Your confident answer gives others permission to talk with you.
Connect (verb) — To form a relationship or understanding.
Example: Small talk helps us connect with new people.
Pause (verb) — To stop for a short time.
Example: He paused before answering the question.
Response (noun) — An answer or reply.
Example: Her response showed she was ready to talk.
Manage (verb) — To handle or deal with something.
Example: I can manage conversations even if I make a few mistakes.
Willingness (noun) — Being ready to do something.
Example: His willingness to try made the meeting go smoothly.
Conversation (noun) — Talking between two or more people.
Example: The conversation helped us understand each other better.
Mistake (noun) — Something that is not correct.
Example: Don’t worry about small mistakes when you speak.

5 Questions About the Article

Why is the question “Do you speak English?” important?
What are some weak responses people often give?
What’s a better way to answer that question?
Why is it helpful to add a friendly detail after your answer?
How can you build confidence to answer this question well?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Have you ever been asked, “Do you speak English?” How did you respond?
What makes you feel confident when speaking English?
What kind of details can you add to show your interest in using English?
How do you practice speaking English in your daily life?
Why do you think tone and attitude are important in conversations?

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