English Is A Tool, Not a Trophy

Have you ever looked at someone speaking fluent English and thought, “I wish I could speak like that”? Or perhaps you’ve felt stuck, believing that without perfect grammar or a native accent, you’ll never measure up. If that sounds familiar, let me tell you this: English is not a trophy to display; it’s a tool to use. And like any tool, its value comes from how well you use it to build, connect, and grow.

Think about it. A carpenter doesn’t keep a hammer to show off its shine. They use it to create something meaningful. Similarly, English is meant to help you express your ideas, share your stories, and connect with others. It’s not about showing the world how perfect your grammar is; it’s about communicating effectively and confidently.

This is exactly what I teach in my sessions also. The emphasis is on progress, not perfection. Every learner is already fluent to some degree. Whether you can have a simple conversation or share your thoughts on complex topics, you’re already on the path. Your fluency grows when you use English actively—not by treating it as a trophy to keep safe, but as a tool to engage with the world.

Mindset: Stop Chasing Perfection 
The first step is understanding that fluency doesn’t mean speaking like a native speaker. Fluency means being able to express yourself with confidence. In one of my sessions, I met a gym trainer who felt insecure about their English. They knew all the exercises and could explain them perfectly in their native language but hesitated in English. When we shifted the focus from “perfect sentences” to “practical communication,” they started engaging clients in English effortlessly. It wasn’t about flawless grammar; it was about connecting with people.

Knowledge: Practical, Not Theoretical 
Let’s face it—memorizing endless grammar rules or fancy vocabulary won’t make you fluent. What matters is applying what you learn in real situations. Imagine learning to ride a bike. Would you spend hours reading about it or just get on the bike and start pedaling? Fluency works the same way. During a recent session, a participant shared how they learned phrases from Mumbai’s billboards and railway announcements. Those phrases helped them navigate daily conversations, proving that fluency is built from practical, everyday knowledge.

Feedback: Your Fastest Growth Tool 
Feedback isn’t criticism; it’s guidance. When you receive corrections on-the-go, you’re not being judged; you’re being supported. One of my learners—a lawyer—once said, “I’m so glad you corrected me while I was speaking. I’ll never forget that.” It’s these small adjustments that lead to big improvements.

Practice: Speak First, Improve Later 
You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” to speak. Readiness comes from speaking. One of the most common fears I see in learners is the fear of making mistakes. But here’s the truth: mistakes are stepping stones to growth. In my group sessions, I always encourage participants to speak first. Whether it’s a discussion on a trending topic or answering a simple question, the goal is to start talking. Real-time corrections and feedback make the process more effective—and less intimidating.

The Journey, Not the Trophy 
So, the next time you feel tempted to see English as a status symbol or something to show off, remind yourself that it’s just a tool. And like any tool, its power lies in how you use it. Use it to tell your story. Use it to connect with others. Use it to achieve your dreams. The carpenter doesn’t get praised for the hammer they own but for the furniture they create. Likewise, your fluency will shine through the conversations you have and the connections you make—not the perfection you chase.

Remember, you’re already fluent in your way. It’s time to build from there. English is not a trophy; it’s a tool. Let’s use it to create something extraordinary.

Your coach,
Ziaur Rehman