Learning and Teaching Spoken English Fluency

Macro-Fluency

Example Feedback

Conversational English

How can I develop my English conversation skills?

• Learn from Sean Cooper the art of “conversation threading” (“How to always know what to say next”)
• Practice sample OPI “everyday situation” role plays
• Practice answering sample OPI/TOEFL questions on easier, more familiar topics
• Practice answering sample OPI/TOEFL questions requiring the use of background knowledge
• Read and talk with an English conversation partner about the several fundamental (but often invisible!) ways in which cultures frequently differ, as described in Sarah Lanier’s book, Foreign to Familiar, so that you can avoid the deep culture-crossing frustration and conflict these differences so easily produce!

Example Feedback

• Feedback Master (Conversation) 

Presenting/Teaching in English

How can I develop my English presentation/teaching skills?

• 4/3/2 (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise)
• Practice fluently giving a talk using common words and technical terms containing your problem sounds (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise) — needs to be checked

What are “best practices” for planning my speaking/writing?

• If you’re a visual thinker/learner who thinks and learns best when able to graphically organize your ideas via “mindmaps” or “concept maps” (e.g., when planning your writing or presentations), you will likely appreciate how quickly and easily the free online draw.io app allows you to create professional-looking flowcharts, etc. (Check out this 4-minute tutorial — including subtitles if you need them ☺ — and draw.io’s templates to quickly learn what draw.io can do!)

How can I effectively answer student/audience questions?

• Predict the questions students are likely to ask (and practice answering them!) (needs to be checked)
• Feedback Master (Asking and answering academic questions)

Example Feedback

• Feedback Master (Presenting/Teaching)
• 3MT presentatation feedback master

Micro-Fluency

How can I develop fluency in speaking English?

• Fluency Buildup (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise)
• 4/3/2 (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise)
• Analyze2Imitate: Thought Grouping, Phrase Stress & Intonation (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise)
• Shadowing (a “15-minutes-per-day” exercise)

Example Feedback

• Feedback Master (Fluency)