I would have to agree here. The more familar they become with the language. The more confidence they will have. It's all about being prepared.

I think hesistation is inevitable at the very beginning of language learning. I tell my students "Don't think if they understand you or not, just try to talk. Let the others try to understand you." This encourages them enough (maybe more than enough) to start conversation. I thinks it works. You can try. 

Thanks Andrea for the advice, I do appreciate that.

Before I address the problem, you need to make a personal transformation and take on the role of a mentor. Hesitation while communicating is a problem in all countries where English is the second or the third language. I always make this point when I get the opportunity to interact with teachers who are new to this profession. You need to get the message across to your students that we are all learners without exception. Coming to hesitation while speaking, there are lot of factors which need to be taken intio consideration like the socio economic and cultural background of the students, the surroundings they live in, the company they keep, and so on.

You need to have a one to one talk with each student and understand their profile. Once you get the entire picture of the class, you need to work out a plan of action on how to encourage and motivate the whole class. You have to respect each student and create an atmosphere wherein the student is encouraged to speak and make mistakes. You can start with training them on questions related to day to day life. The expected answers should be given and you need to ensure that they fully understand and make use of these structures everyday. 

Make it clear to the students that they can only communicate in English and cannot come to their mother tongue at any given point of time. Initially you fill find the students totally blank, which is sure to happen. As time passes by, you will notice that they gradually start picking up everything that you tell them. This method has produced amazing results for me. There was a period wherein I used to get students who were school or college dropouts, or students who completed their basic education in their mother tongue. I have seen the transformation taking place and feel proud to have played a vital role in helping the students rediscover themselves.

Let me tell you that the true class of a teacher or trainer is reflected only when he is able to turn around a batch of students having this profile. Anybody for that matter can handle a batch where students come from good family backgrounds and are exposed to the English Language at a very young age.

As a mentor you have to gain the trust of your students even before you come to the language. If you really mean what you say, your job is done.

All the best.

yes with pleasure , we can scrutnize their challenges and discuss them together , keep in touch