I’m pretty sure you want to sound more natural in Spanish. In fact, that´s most learners' end goal: to be fluent and sound natural in Spanish. However, many think of that as a long term goal, once they’ve mastered other parts of the language… 

But, let me tell you that there is really no need to wait. You can start sounding more natural today, whatever your level.

The secret is to incorporate fillers, “conversation helpers” or “muletillas”.

Fillers are called “muletillas” in Spanish… Literally, “little crutches!” I love this term as they indeed help with sounding more fluent and natural and give a sense of smoothness to the conversation.

I remember when Pete started learning Spanish and went to Madrid for the first time… He knew very little, but sounded like he knew so much more by being quite familiar with these 5 muletillas! 

Let’s take a look at them: 

1. Pues…

• This...

When I stumbled trying to speak English in the States,  I was desperate to find a new way. I knew it had to be possible...

But I was also TERRIFIED.

My failed attempts to communicate successfully to a number of people had left me totally demoralised (like the time when I was at a bank counter trying to explain that the cash machine had swallowed my bank card, and the lady at the window running out of patience and seeing that the queue behind me had started to build, looked over me and said “next”!)

However, despite the negative experiences, here are some of the things I’ve come to find out and appreciate: 

• As a foreign speaker you’re always in a more vulnerable position. And that 's ok. Honestly, the best thing that you can do about it is to work on your mindset. And accept that it is only by getting out of your comfort zone that you get to grow, gain insights, get more enjoyment out of life and achieve what you want. Even if things are a bit...