Hao Tran: “English Fluency Starts Where Mistakes Are Allowed”

Hao Tran, CEO of Vietcetera, is often seen as a confident speaker who leads popular podcasts and communicates with ease. In the workplace, he appears approachable, energetic, and focused. However, this confidence did not come naturally. It was shaped over time, through discomfort and self-doubt, including concerns about his Hue accent and a strong fear of saying the wrong thing, in both English and Vietnamese.

At a time when AI tools can help with writing and translation, many people wonder why speaking skills still matter. According to Hao, the answer lies in human connection. While AI can produce accurate text, it cannot replace tone of voice, facial expression, or the ability to adjust to others in real time.

For young professionals, these communication skills are increasingly important in global work environments. Hao believes that improving teamwork and international communication begins with a simple mindset shift: allowing yourself to make mistakes when speaking.

Why Do Many Vietnamese Learners Hesitate to Speak English?

At a recent Vietnam Leaders Toastmasters meeting titled “Voices that Inspire,” Hao’s story reflected a common experience among English learners in Vietnam. Many people spend years studying English, achieve good results in reading and grammar, yet feel uncomfortable speaking in real situations.

This hesitation is often psychological rather than technical.

A seminal study by Horwitz and Cope (1986) identified this barrier as fear of negative evaluation, a key component of foreign language anxiety. This form of anxiety becomes most pronounced in public speaking situations, where learners feel constantly observed and evaluated. This explains why many long-term English learners hesitate to speak, not because they lack ideas, but because they are afraid of making mistakes.

Accent As Part Of Identity

Hao himself once worried about his Hue accent when speaking Vietnamese. In reality, accent is not a flaw to be corrected, but a marker of identity.

A review published in the International Journal of Language Academy highlights that accent is not merely about pronunciation, but a reflection of linguistic identity and social experience. Research on the relationship between foreign accent, identity, and social bias shows that accent differences can influence a speaker’s sense of belonging, confidence, and self-perception in multilingual environments.

Rather than viewing a “non-standard” accent as a deficiency, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing accent as an integral part of personal and cultural identity. After all, effective communication is not about using C2-level vocabulary, but about the ability to read emotions and respond meaningfully to others.

Speaking Is A Skill That Can Be Practiced

Many people assume that speakers like Hao Tran possess a natural confidence or are born extroverts. Others believe they simply have a verbal gift. While natural aptitude can give some individuals a head start, Hao emphasizes that it is not the deciding factor.

“Discipline beats extroversion. Effective speaking is the result of disciplined, repeated practice over a long period of time,” he shares. Even without innate advantages, those who remain consistent and disciplined can significantly improve their speaking and public communication skills.

Speaking is not merely a mental state, it is a form of muscle that must be trained. Discipline enables a speaker to know where to place their gaze, how to use gestures intentionally, and how to avoid awkward, uncontrolled movements, even when nervous. Hao’s journey demonstrates that persistence accounts for up to 90% of success. When motivation fades, discipline is what keeps you stepping onto the stage, refining your voice, and shaping your identity.

Conclusion

Hao recalls that during his first public presentation, he struggled to maintain eye contact and appeared uncomfortable. The feedback he received was direct and memorable.

Today, he is known for his calm and engaging speaking style. His journey highlights a simple but important idea: becoming a confident speaker does not require perfection. It begins with willingness: to speak, to make mistakes, and to improve gradually over time.