What is English Speaking Skill?

English speaking skill refers to the ability to effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and information in spoken English. This involves not only the accurate use of grammar and vocabulary but also the appropriate application of pronunciation, intonation, and fluency. Mastery of English speaking skills is essential for clear and effective oral communication in various contexts, including social, academic, and professional settings. We offer multiple FREE and engaging resources for spoken practice, suitable for all levels.  

• 20 Questions

• Conversation Questions

• Describing Pictures (Intermediate & Advanced)

• Point of view stories  (Story1,  Story2,  Robinson Cruise,  The Little Prince)

• Read the news & Speak 1 :   Discussion questions

• Speed Reading & Speaking :   Discussion Questions

• Speed Listening & Speaking :   Discussion questions

• Read the news & Speak 2

• The day something happened

• Speak about a word or phrase

• Watch, Learn & Practice

• Videos in Level (Watch & Speak)

• Crash Course (Watch & Speak Advanced)

• Imitate & Speak (TED Talks- Intermediate & Advanced)

Components of English Speaking Skill

• Pronunciation: Correct articulation of words so they are easily understood by listeners. This includes the correct use of sounds, stress on syllables, and intonation patterns.

• Fluency: The ability to speak smoothly and without unnecessary hesitation. This requires practice and familiarity with the language to maintain a natural flow of speech.

• Vocabulary: Having a broad range of words and expressions to convey ideas precisely and accurately.

• Grammar: Using the correct structure of sentences to ensure clear communication.

• Listening Skills: Being able to understand and respond appropriately to what others are saying, which is crucial for engaging in meaningful conversations.

• Cultural Awareness: Understanding and using the language in a way that is culturally appropriate to avoid misunderstandings and to connect better with native speakers.

Proven Practical Principles Guided by Native English Speakers

Active Listening and Repetition

1. • Principle: Immersing yourself in the language through active listening and repeating what you hear helps internalize pronunciation and intonation patterns.

   • Implementation: Listen to native speakers through podcasts, movies, and conversations. Repeat phrases and sentences aloud, mimicking the pronunciation and intonation. Use language learning apps that incorporate listening and repetition exercises.

Shadowing Technique

1. • Principle: Shadowing involves listening to a native speaker and simultaneously repeating what they say, which helps improve pronunciation, rhythm, and fluency.

   • Implementation: Choose audio materials like TED Talks or interviews. Listen to a sentence or short passage, then pause and immediately repeat it as accurately as possible. Gradually increase the length of the passages as you become more comfortable.

Role-Playing

1. • Principle: Practicing real-life scenarios through role-playing enhances conversational skills and builds confidence in speaking.

   • Implementation: Pair up with a language partner or tutor. Role-play different situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant, making a phone call, or attending a job interview. Focus on using appropriate vocabulary and expressions for each context.

Recording and Self-Assessment

1. • Principle: Recording yourself speaking allows you to evaluate your pronunciation, fluency, and use of grammar.

   • Implementation: Choose a topic and record a short speech or conversation. Listen to the recording and note areas for improvement. Compare your recordings over time to track progress and identify recurring mistakes.

Interactive Speaking Activities

1. • Principle: Engaging in interactive activities with native speakers or advanced learners promotes spontaneous use of language and builds confidence.

   • Implementation: Join language exchange programs, online speaking clubs, or discussion groups. Participate in debates, storytelling sessions, or casual conversations to practice speaking in a supportive environment.

Expanding Vocabulary Through Context

1. • Principle: Learning new words in context helps retain them better and understand their correct usage.

   • Implementation: Read books, articles, and watch videos on various topics. Note down new words and phrases, then use them in sentences related to your daily life. Practice using these new words in your conversations.

Consistent Practice and Feedback

1. • Principle: Regular practice and constructive feedback are crucial for continuous improvement.

   • Implementation: Set aside dedicated time each day for speaking practice. Engage with a tutor or language coach who can provide feedback on your speaking skills. Reflect on the feedback and incorporate suggestions into your practice routine.

Implementation Strategies

1. Daily Speaking Practice: Commit to speaking English daily, even if it's just for a few minutes. Use opportunities like talking to yourself, practicing with a language partner, or participating in online forums.

2. Use Technology: Leverage language learning apps, speech recognition software, and online resources to practice speaking and receive immediate feedback.

3. Engage in Immersive Experiences: Travel to English-speaking countries, attend language immersion programs, or participate in local language meetups to surround yourself with native speakers and authentic language use.

4. Set Specific Goals: Define clear, measurable goals for your speaking practice, such as improving pronunciation, increasing vocabulary, or becoming fluent in specific conversation topics.

5. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your learning strategies as needed. Seek out new resources and techniques to keep your practice engaging and effective.

By following these proven principles and implementation strategies, you can significantly improve your English speaking skills, achieving greater confidence and fluency in your communication.

7 Rules To Speak Better English

AJ Hoge is a renowned English language teacher and the creator of the Effortless English system. With a Master's in TEFL, he has taught English in Japan, Thailand, and the U.S. His diverse teaching experiences inspired him to create the Effortless English system, emphasizing natural language learning through listening and speaking. Hoge's innovative approach and engaging style have made him a global leader in English language education, with successful books, podcasts, and online courses.

Difference Between Spoken & Written English

Discover the key differences between spoken and written English. Learn why the way you write is not the way you speak.

• Ellipses (British Council

• Fronting substitution & ellipses (Cambridge)

Voice & Accent 1

The pronunciation section of EWE covers everything from basic alphabet sounds to more complex English sounds. It includes pronunciation for different verbs, phrases, and expressions. Students can improve their skills by listening to and repeating the material as often as needed.

Voice & Accent 2

The BBC offers a comprehensive pronunciation guide for the Sounds of English, covering essential elements such as diphthong sounds, voiceless consonant sounds, voiced consonant sounds, other consonant sounds, short vowel sounds, and long vowel sounds. This guide helps learners understand and master the various sounds necessary for clear and effective English communication.

Watch, Learn & Practice

We Speak NYC (formerly We Are New York) is the City's English Language Learning program, offering civic-focused instruction through videos, web and print materials, and free community classes across all five boroughs.This is an excellent resource for Speaking practice. 

Crash Course (Watch & Speak Advanced)

Crash Course offers over 45 free educational video courses covering a wide range of subjects from humanities to sciences, designed for both high school and college levels. With a fast-paced format, our videos transform traditional learning, reaching over two billion views on YouTube and attracting a global audience of students and casual learners alike. We aim to foster a community of lifelong learners who value education beyond exams. 

British Council Speaking Practice

Find activities to practice and improve your speaking skills with the British Council. Learn useful phrases for different situations through self-study lessons organized by CEFR English levels. These resources include videos of workplace conversations and interactive exercises to help you remember and use essential language for effective communication. 

Cambridge Speaking Practice

Cambridge offers a limited number of speaking practice lessons. Additionally, you can access resources for reading, grammar, vocabulary, listening, pronunciation, and writing. Lessons are divided by level for structured learning.

Conversation Questions

Find numerous discussion questions on a variety of topics, with the number of questions varying by topic. 

Speak about a word or phrase

Type a word or phrase in the search box to see meanings in multiple contexts. Click any word for synonyms, antonyms, examples, and translations! This is also a great place to master the accent and sound like a native speaker, with guidance on exact pronunciation. 

 Describing Pictures

• How to describe a picture (British Council)

• How to describe a picture (Oxford)

• Intermediate and Advanced Describing Pictures Exercises

20 Questions for Speaking Practice

Point of View Stories 

What are point of view stories?

Point-of-view stories are great ways to practice grammar without learning the rules. 

• Point of view story 1

• Point  of view story 2

• Story book 1 (Robinson Cruse)

• Story book 2 (The Little Prince)

News Brief (Level Wise)

Read the news and Speak 1 

Breaking News English offers a distinctive approach to language learning by using current events and news stories as the basis for its lessons. This platform provides a wide range of engaging materials, including audio recordings, quizzes, vocabulary exercises, and discussion questions, all centered around up-to-date news articles. Lessons are available at multiple levels, making it suitable for learners of all abilities. The focus on real-world events keeps content relevant and interesting, helping learners improve their English while staying informed about global issues.

• Speed Reading & Speaking          

• Speed Listening & Speaking           

• Discussion Questions

Read the news and Speak 2

News in Levels is designed to help English learners improve their language skills through simplified news articles. Each story is presented in three different levels of difficulty, allowing learners to gradually progress as their proficiency improves. This unique approach makes complex news stories accessible to beginners while still challenging more advanced students. Additionally, the website provides meanings of difficult words and includes audio recordings of each article, offering valuable listening practice. News in Levels keeps learners engaged with current events while catering to their individual learning needs.

• The day something happened Speaking

News in Levels uses multiple news items starting with "The day something happened," followed by levels, difficult word explanations, and audio recordings. This approach helps master speaking and vocabulary through context, with engaging stories.

• Videos in Level (Watch & Speak)

Videos in Levels is designed for English learners, offering videos in six difficulty levels to help you improve your understanding of English. The philosophy is simple: use English every day to get better.

To determine your level, take a quick test by reading these 25 words and counting how many you know: dog, understand, watch, take, together, able, amazing, survive, belt, above, brave, wipe, polite, behave, wild, blade, flame, melt, beam, mild, cage, grasp, reward, liver, seldom. Multiply the number of words you know by 200 to estimate your vocabulary size, and then match it to the appropriate level:

• 0-1000 words: Level 1

• 1000-2000 words: Level 2

• 2000-3000 words: Level 3

• 3000-4000 words: Level 4

• 4000-5000 words: Level 5

• Over 5000 words: Level 6

Imitate and Speak

Imitating and speaking are powerful tools for improving English speaking skills. By mimicking native speakers, learners can acquire proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. Psychologically, this practice boosts confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps internalize language patterns, making spontaneous conversation easier and more natural. Use the resources from TED Talks on various topics of your interest.