Speak, speak, speak, develop and improve the SPEAKING Skill !

Hello, there! Welcome. 

Wilmer Portes. June 2025.

Do you want to develop and improve your speaking skill? Join me and learn how to do it! 

Whether you are a teacher or a student this information can help you significantly.

"SPEAKING SKILL"? 

Jeremy Harmer, in his book "The Practice of English Teaching", published in 2007, discusses the speaking skill as one of the most important competences in language learning. He emphasizes that speaking involves nor just the production of words, but also the ability to interact, express ideas and emotions, and use language effectively in various contexts.

Harmer also mentions that speaking skills can be developed through consistent practice and the use of appropriate techniques in and out of the classroom.This includes activities that encourage interaction among students and the use of language in real-life situations. Fluency and accuracy are key aspects that should be worked on to improve this skill.

In his book "Language Teaching Methodology", published in 1991, David Nunan defines speaking as an interactive process of constructing meaning that involves producing, receiving, and processing information. Nunan emphasizes the importance of context in speaking, stating that effective communication requires not only linguistic knowledge, but also an understanding of social and cultural factors that influence interaction.

Additionally, he highlights that speaking skills can be developed through various activities that promote interaction and engagement, such as role-plays, discussions, and collaborative tasks. This interactive nature makes speaking a dynamic skill that reflects the speaker's ability to adapt to different communicative situations.

KEY AREAS AND STRATEGIES

If you are an English teacher, specifically if you teach English as a Foreign Language, the next information will be useful for you! It is important to focus on several key areas and use various strategies such as:

- Fluency: Engage in conversation practice, role-plays, or debates where the focus is on speaking without hesitation. Encourage thinking in English rather than translating from the native language. Use timed speaking exercises to promote spontaneous speech.

- Accuracy: Incorporate exercises that focus on grammar and pronunciation, such as drills or structured dialogues. Provide feedback on errors in a supportive manner, encouraging self-correction and reflection on language use.

- Vocabulary: Use vocabulary games, word maps, or thematic discussions to introduce new words in context. Encourage learners to keep a vocabulary journal where they note down new words and phrases along with examples sentences.

- Pronunciation: Conduct phonetic drills, tongue twisters, or shadowing exercises (imitating native speakers). Use audio resources (like podcast or videos) for learners to listen and practice mimicking intonation and stress patterns.

- Interaction Skills: Facilitate group discussions or pair work where learners must negotiate meaning and ask questions. Teach conversational strategies like turn-taking, asking for clarification, and using fillers appropriately.

- Cultural Awareness: Discuss cultural topics or scenarios that may arise in conversations with speakers from different backgrounds. Incorporate role-playing situations that reflect real-life interactions in diverse cultural contexts.

- Confidence: Create a safe environment for practicing through supportive peer feedback sessions or informal speaking clubs. Encourage positive reinforcement and celebrate small achievements to build confidence over time.

CLASSES FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING THE SPEAKING SKILL

When designing classes focused on developing this skill for EFL learners, it is essential to create an engaging, interactive, and supportive environment. Here are some key components to keep in mind.

- Class structure: Warm-up activities. Start with icebreakers or short discussions related to familiar topics to get students comfortable when speaking. Focus on real life context. Use scenarios that EFL learners might encounter in real-life situations, e.g. ordering food, making small talk, etc. Interactive practice. Incorporate pair work or group activities where learners can practice speaking with peers. Feedback sessions. Save time for peer feedback and teacher feedback after speaking activities. Emphasize constructive criticism to help learners improve without discouragement. Reflection and Goal Setting. Encourage students to reflect on their speaking experiences and set personal goals for improvement.

- Best teaching Methods and Approaches: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): Focus on enabling students to communicate effectively in real-life situations. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT): Involve by using tasks as the central component of learning. Students complete meaningful tasks that require them to use speaking skills, e.g. planning a trip, solving a problem, etc. Flipped Classroom: Assign students language input (videos, readings) as homework, then use class time for speaking practice based on that input. Cooperative Learning: Promote collaborative activities where students work together in pairs or groups to complete tasks, share ideas, and practice speaking skills collectively.

- Additional Tips: Use authentic materials (videos, articles, podcasts, etc.) that expose learners to natural language. Incorporate technology (like language learning apps or online discussion forums) to provide additional speaking opportunities. Celebrate progress and encourage a growth mindset among learners to foster a positive attitude towards speaking practice.

TIPS FOR LEARNERS

- Practice daily: Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes each day to speaking. Repetition is key.

- Find a conversation partner: Speaking with someone who is also learning can help you improve.

- Record your voice: Listening to yourself allows you to identify areas for improvement and work on pronunciation.

- Imitate native speakers: Listen and repeat dialogues from movies or series. This helps with intonation and rhythm.

- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words each week and use them in conversations.

- Do not be afraid of making mistakes: Mistakes are part of the learning process. Learning from them is essential.

- Join conversational groups: Look for local or online groups where you can practice with.

- Use language exchange apps: Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk can be helpful for finding native speakers. (Be careful if you are underage. Tell your parents to guide you and be with you in the process)

- Focus on topics you are passionate about: Talking about things that interest you makes practice more enjoyable and less stressful.

- Set specific goals: For example, "I want to be able to maintain a conversation about my weekly routine for 5 minutes"

- Remember, the key is consistent practice and self-confidence. You got this !

                                                           Thanks for reading ! Until next time !

References:

Harmer, J. (2015) “The practice of English language teaching”. Pearson Education Limited– Longman. Fifth edition. England.

Harmer, J. (2007) “How to teach English”. Pearson Education Limited – Longman. England.

Nunan, D. (1991) "Language Teaching Methodology: a Textbook for Teachers". Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Altamimi, S. (2024) “Fostering productive skills in the EFL classroom” Harvard University Website. June 4, 2025. URL: https://mepli.gse.harvard.edu/our-fellows-at-work/fosteringproductive-skills-in-the-efl-classroom/