Chapter 13. Speaking and Listening

Effective speaking [1][21]:

Know your purpose and audience.

Organize with a clear opening, body and conclusion.

Speak clearly, vary pace and pitch, pause for emphasis and keep eye contact.

Use body language and visuals to support, not replace, your message.

Practise aloud and time your presentation.

Pronunciation. Focus on word stress, rhythm and intonation as well as individual sounds. Listening to recordings and repeating helps.

Active listening. Pay attention, avoid interrupting, take notes, ask clarifying questions and summarize what you have heard.

Discussion and debate. Support opinions with reasons, listen respectfully, disagree politely (I see your point, but…) and build on others’ ideas.

Formal and informal speech. Use contractions and informal vocabulary with friends; choose more formal vocabulary in interviews and presentations.

Common Reference Levels. The Council of Europe’s Common European Framework describes language proficiency from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery) in listening, speaking, reading and writing, which many learners use to track progress [21].

Review: Name three techniques of effective public speaking. (Answer: for example, clear structure, varied pace and eye contact.)