Hi Wendy, ...so you can speak English but you are only shy, right? I have similar problems. However, I can speak with people on italki.com or with English teachers without feeling to be shy. And most of the time I really enjoy those conversations and feeling comfortable, having fun. But when it comes to speaking English at my work, I get shy. I think that my colleagues expect that I should speak very well like a native speaker. I know that's only a believe and it has nothing to do with reality, but it is hard to overcome. On the other hand I almost everyday hear my colleague speaking English and I can tell you their English is not perfect at all. Even managers use strong local accents, make mistakes and their pronunciation is not perfect at all. Even though it is still enough to do business and nobody complaints. The key is the understanding. Also I have colleagues from the US. When I have calls with them, they speak slowly and clearly. And it happens that when I do not understand what they say, I just say: "Sorry, I do not understand." and they explain that in different way. No problem. If you'd like, we can chat in English via Skype. I would be glad to know more about you, your country and culture. Just leave me a message.

it's all about practicing , i was like you till i think that i have to over come this i am still learning but let me tell you method that really helpful " re-acting" hear the English speakers from movies or news then try to speak like them in loud voice many times i hope that will help you :)

Don't be shy, just try.