Imagine the scene. You’re in a café in Paris. You perfectly understand the waitress when she asks: “For here or to go?” But the moment you open your mouth… everything freezes. Your sentence disappears, your brain panics, and you end up saying “Yes please” with an awkward smile.
 

If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you know this moment very well. And you’re not alone: this is the reality for most intermediate and advanced French learners.
 

Today, we’re going to explore together:

  • why you understand French but can’t manage to speak it,
  • what no one ever explained to you (the real problem),
  • how to fix this block in 2026 with a simple, human, sustainable approach.
     

And most importantly: I’m going to show you how this transformation is possible, even if you still doubt yourself today.

 

1. You understand, but you can’t speak: you’re not the only one

For years, I’ve been teaching French to thousands of students. And do you know what problem comes up the most? It’s not grammar. It’s not vocabulary. It’s not even pronunciation.
 

The real problem is the gap between what you understand… and what you’re able to produce.
 

You can recognize words. You know the rules. You understand the structure of French. But when you try to express yourself, it’s like your brain presses the “pause” button.
 

And that creates a very strong emotion: a mix of frustration, shame, doubt, and sometimes even the feeling of being stuck.

 

2. The diagnosis: why does it really block?

I want to tell you a very simple story. Sarah’s story, a student I helped in 2025.
 

She understood almost everything. French movies? Fine. Podcasts? Fine. Conversations between natives? Fine.
 

But speaking… was impossible for her. She told me: “Manon, I feel like the words don’t come out. I understand, but I’m unable to answer.”
 

And here’s what I understood, what I see again and again:

The blockage isn’t linguistic. It’s systemic.
 

You learned to understand French, but not to use it. It’s like learning to watch swimming videos… without ever going into the water.
 

Here are the three real causes of the blockage:

  • You don’t get enough exposure to real French (the French people actually speak, not textbook French).
     
  • You don’t have a safe space to express yourself, without pressure or judgment.
     
  • You don’t have guided repetition to transform knowledge into reflexes.
     

And as long as these three pillars aren’t present, speaking French will stay difficult, even if you have a very good “on paper” level.

 

3. The pivot: what you must do to speak French naturally

The good news? This block is not permanent.
 

When Sarah started working differently — with a method centered on conversation and natural integration of French — everything changed within a few weeks.
 

Because in reality, the solution lies in a very simple process:
 

➡️ The Ohlala Method: Immerse → Speak → Progress

This method is based on three essential steps:
 

  • 1. Immerse yourself in real French: the one natives use, in real-life situations, with current expressions.
     
  • 2. Speak every week: in a small group, with a kind teacher who guides you.
     
  • 3. Build confidence: turn your knowledge into natural reflexes.
     

It’s not “magic.” It’s human, logical, and… it works.

La méthode Ohlala

 

4. Practical results: what really changes when you apply this method

Here are 3 transformations I see in my students — even in those who had lost confidence:
 

1. Fluency comes back without forcing

Because you no longer search for words — you use natural phrases you’ve heard many times.
 

2. You stop translating in your head

You start thinking in French, even for simple ideas. This is the first true sign that you’re becoming autonomous.
 

3. You enjoy speaking

Conversations become less stressful, lighter, almost “automatic.” And then… you realize you’re capable of much more than you thought.

 

5. What you can do now

If you understand French but still can’t speak it, it’s not a lack of intelligence, talent, or motivation.
 

It simply means you haven’t yet used the right method.
 

You can continue as before… or you can decide that 2026 will be the year speaking French finally becomes natural, simple, and human.
 

And if you want me to guide you step by step…

👉 Join the Ohlala French School and start speaking French every week.
 

You’ll discover real French, speak in small groups, grow in confidence… and most importantly: you won’t be alone anymore.
 

The Ohlala French School – Free 7-day trial