In my college linguistics class the prof told us about a study involving adult language learners that measured foreign language fluency against number of drinks consumed. Fluency went way up with one drink, peaked at two drinks, and rapidly fell off after that.
Outside academia, I once played in a band where the singer got nervous before every show. Things went a lot better once we persuaded her to start having a drink (one drink) before going onstage.
I always go into a performance or an interview fine but then have a panic halfway through. The trick is to recover from that and keep things moving.
Interesting idea. Many years ago when I was learning French I seemed to speak it much better after a drink or two with a French speaking neighbor. Maybe it was less worry over grammar though I can't say I felt nervous speaking to them when sober - my communication just seemed faster and smoother with a drink.
Outside academia, I once played in a band where the singer got nervous before every show. Things went a lot better once we persuaded her to start having a drink (one drink) before going onstage.
I always go into a performance or an interview fine but then have a panic halfway through. The trick is to recover from that and keep things moving.