From Practice to Confidence: English Speaking Self-Confidence on the Episoden Platform

Abstract

English speaking proficiency is an important component of language mastery, yet many learners experience difficulties due to limited self-confidence, anxiety, and fear of making mistakes. This study explores how Episoden, a free online platform providing real-time one-on-one speaking sessions, may support the development of English-speaking self-confidence. Employing a qualitative descriptive research design, the study draws on systematic application-based observation and document analysis, interpreted through Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis. The findings indicate that Episoden provides several affordances that may support confidence development, including structured seven-minute speaking sessions, real-time interaction with international peers, repeated opportunities for communicative practice, and post-session social feedback. These features appear to create a relatively manageable and supportive environment in which learners can participate in English communication and take communicative risks. From an SCT perspective, repeated speaking experiences may contribute to self-efficacy through mastery experiences and social interaction. From an affective perspective, the platform’s low-pressure interaction may help create conditions associated with a lower affective filter. The study implies that digital speaking platforms can supplement formal English instruction by providing accessible opportunities for repeated real-time communication and confidence-building. Further empirical research involving actual users is needed to examine these processes more directly.