ЁЯСЙ️ Meaning of English Speaking Skill
Speaking skill refers to the ability to express ideas, feelings, opinions, and information orally using appropriate pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and accuracy.
In English language teaching, speaking is considered a productive skill and a key component of communicative competence.
ЁЯСЙ️ Importance of Teaching Speaking Skill
Speaking skill is important because:
It helps students communicate in real-life situations
Builds confidence and social interaction
Supports listening, reading, and writing skills
Prepares students for academic, professional, and global communication
Required for communicative language teaching (CLT) as prescribed in Nepal’s curriculum
ЁЯСЙ️ Objectives of Teaching Speaking Skill
At Lower Secondary Level (Grades 6–8)
Students should be able to:
ЁЯШЧ Introduce themselves and others
ЁЯШЧ Ask and answer simple questions
ЁЯШЧ Participate in pair and group conversations
ЁЯШЧ Describe people, places, and events
ЁЯШЧ Express likes, dislikes, and opinions
At Secondary Level
ЁЯШЧ Students should be able to:
ЁЯШЧ Express ideas clearly and confidently
ЁЯШЧ Participate in discussions and debates
ЁЯШЧ Give short speeches and presentations
ЁЯШЧ Narrate events and experiences
ЁЯШЧ Use appropriate language in different situations
ЁЯСЙ️ Principles of Teaching Speaking Skill
1. Learner-centered approach
2. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)
3. Meaning before accuracy
4. Practice through interactions
5. Encouragement and motivation
6. Use of real-life situations
7. Error tolerance (especially at early stages)
ЁЯСЙ️ Problems in Teaching Speaking Skill in Nepal
Common classroom challenges:
Large class size
Lack of English-speaking environment
Students’ fear and hesitation
Mother tongue interference
Limited exposure to English
Teacher-dominated classroom
Exam-oriented or teacher centered teaching
ЁЯСЙ️ Techniques / Activities for Teaching Speaking Skill
A. Lower Secondary Level Activities
1. Drilling
Reptition of words and sentences
Improves pronunciation and confidence
2. Role Play
Situational conversations (shop, hospital, school)
Develops real-life communication
3. Pair Work
Question–answer practice
Reduces fear and increases participation
4. Picture Description
Students describe picturesi orally
Enhances vocabulary and fluency
5. Storytelling
Retelling short stories
Develops sequencing and confidence
B. Secondary Level Activities
1. Group Discussion
Discuss social, moral, or academic topics
Develops critical thinking and fluency
2. Debate
For and against topics
Improves logical expression
3. Presentation / Speech
Short prepared talks
Builds confidence and accuracy
4. Interview
Student–student or student–teacher interviews
Practices question formation
5. Dialogue Practice
Based on textbook or real situation
ЁЯСЙ️ Role of Teacher in Teaching Speaking Skill
The teacher should:
ЁЯШЙ Act as a facilitator, not a lecturer
ЁЯШЙ Create a friendly and supportive environment
ЁЯШЙ Encourage students to speak English
ЁЯШЙ Use simple and clear instructions
ЁЯШЙ Provide constructive feedback
ЁЯШЙMinimize excessive correction during speaking
ЁЯСЙ️ Role of Students learning speaking skill
- Students should:
- Participate actively in speaking activities
- Practice speaking inside and outside classroom
- Cooperate in pair and group work not fear making mistakes
- Listen to others carefully
ЁЯСЙ️ Assessment of Speaking Skill
Speaking skill can be assessed through:
ЁЯСЙ️ Oral tests
ЁЯСЙ️ Interviews
ЁЯСЙ️ Role plays
ЁЯСЙ️ Group discussions
ЁЯСЙ️ Presentations
ЁЯСЙ️ Continuous classroom observation
