A lot of my language exchange partners and comments on Youtube and Instagram tell me they have a hard time actually getting a native English speaker to talk on language apps like Hellotalk and Tandem…which is a bummer if you are trying to learn English!
So how do you get native English Speakers to talk to you on Tandem and Hellotalk?
I’m going to give you my TOP FIVE tips to help you get a response from a native English speaker.
I don’t know what makes others respond, I can’t speak for them, I can only speak for what makes me respond.
I have been fortunate enough to never have to initiate or find people to talk to on the apps. I do feel like there is a shortage of native American English speakers that are learning other languages (besides maybe Spanish or Italian). If you are looking to talk to native English speakers, be prepared, you are in a competition.
Here are some ways you can “have an edge”:
#1 You have to shine.
You have to do something different to stand out, to get a response, because one of the biggest reasons that people don’t respond is they just get way too many messages. I could never respond to all the messages I get and I know that’s how others are feeling as well. It’s not fair, but it’s just how it is. So thank you guys for the people that have reached out to me. I have loved getting to know you and if you have reached out to me and I haven’t responded, I am so sorry.
#2 Have a profile photo.
It doesn’t matter what you look like but I personally don’t want to see an animal or joker or a photo of the beach. I like to see the beautiful faces of the people I talk to and I’m sure that others do too. So do a photo. It will help create that initial human connection.
#3 Don’t hit on people on the Language Apps
Download a dating app if you’re looking to date. I don’t respond to the people that have literally asked me to marry them or date them. I receive messages like this but I ignore them. Use Tinder.
#4 Leave a voice message.
I am so much more likely to chat with someone that leaves a voice message out of my own curiosity. What are they saying? So I’m sure other natives will feel the same way. They will most likely at least listen to your message out of curiosity even if they don’t respond so I highly encourage voice messages.
#5 Ask an interesting question
You’ll be more likely to get a response than just writing “hi.” Don’t just write “hi.” Don’t just write, “hi how are you?” Think of an engaging question, maybe look at their profile ask them something about their life. They’re going to be more likely to respond.
BONUS TIP #6 be persistent!
If someone doesn’t respond to you with your first message or your second, try and try again! I know I have actually responded to people on their fifth message!
These tips I’m not saying to try them with me 😉 but try them with other natives. I know it can be hard to find a good language partner, someone that you connect with that has time in their schedule to talk to you, but it’s so worth. It will REALLY help you evolve in your language learning journey.
Did these tips help you? DM me on instagram 🙂
