Why do students shut down during interpersonal tasks? Even after plenty of practice and review, students struggle to respond. This session explores the hidden role of cognitive load in spontaneous communication and how it disproportionately impacts intermediate learners. Through interactive examples and classroom-tested activities, participants will learn how to lower the processing demands of conversations without lowering expectations. Walk away with practical tools to help students stay present, respond more fluidly, and build conversational endurance across languages.