TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING SPEECH SKILL

Teaching speech skills requires a combination of effective techniques and strategies to help learners develop their oral
communication abilities. Despite this general theoretical acceptance of the importance of talk and learning, it remains
difficult to make space for regular, extended talk in our classrooms. Accepting the validity of an idea is one thing; making it
happen is another. We can solve this problem if we adapt the following techniques of developing Speech Skills.

Stage One: IMITATIVE PRACTICE

Imitative practice in speaking skill refers to a technique where learners imitate and reproduce the speech patterns and
sounds demonstrated by a model, typically the teacher or a native speaker. It involves mimicking the correct
pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and other aspects of speech to develop accurate oral communication skills.

In imitative practice, learners focus on replicating the target language accurately without necessarily understanding the
meaning or context behind the words or phrases they are imitating. It is commonly used in the early stages of language
learning or when learners are unfamiliar with the target language.

The purpose of imitative practice is to develop learners' ability to produce sounds and speech patterns similar to those of
native speakers. It helps learners develop proper pronunciation, intonation, and articulation skills, allowing them to
communicate more effectively and be understood by others.

During imitative practice, learners engage in activities such as repeating after the teacher, imitating dialogues or sentences,
practicing phonetic sounds, or working on tongue twisters. This technique helps learners build muscle memory and
develop a sense of the correct pronunciation and rhythm of the target language.

Imitative practice serves as a foundation for further language development, as learners become more comfortable and
proficient in producing accurate speech patterns. It is typically followed by stages of communicative practice, where
learners apply their acquired speech skills in meaningful and interactive contexts.

It is important to note that while imitative practice helps learners develop accurate pronunciation and speech patterns, it
should be supplemented with other techniques and activities that focus on comprehension, fluency, and authentic
communication to ensure well-rounded language development.
Some more types of "Oral Exercises and Games" are:
1. Get Acquired Activities
2. Matching Games
3. Oral Guessing Games
4. Simple Repetition Drill
5. Substitution Drill
6. Question-Answer Drill
7. Situational

Stage Two: COMMUNICATIVE PRACTICE

Communicative practice in speaking skill refers to activities and techniques that promote meaningful and interactive
communication in the target language. This stage of speak practice take us a step further towards the proficient oral use of
language. It focuses on developing learners' ability to use language to convey messages, express ideas, and engage in real-
life situations.

In communicative practice, the emphasis is not only on accurate language production but also on the functional and
effective use of language in authentic contexts. Learners are encouraged to engage in conversations, discussions, role-
plays, and other interactive tasks where they actively use the target language to communicate with others.

The key features of communicative practice in speaking skill include:

1. Meaningful Context: Learners engage in activities that have a clear purpose and meaningful context, such as discussing a
topic of interest, solving a problem, or sharing personal experiences. The focus is on conveying and understanding
messages rather than solely on correct grammar or vocabulary usage.

2. Authentic Language Use: Learners are exposed to authentic language through the use of real-life materials, such as news
articles, videos, or recordings. This helps them develop an understanding of how the language is used in different situations
and enhances their ability to comprehend and produce language naturally.

3. Interaction: Learners actively interact with others, engaging in conversations, debates, or discussions. They practice turn-
taking, active listening, and responding appropriately in real-time. The goal is to foster effective communication skills,
including negotiation of meaning, clarification, and expressing opinions.

4. Fluency and Accuracy: While the focus of communicative practice is on meaningful communication, attention is also
given to developing fluency and accuracy. Learners are encouraged to express themselves with increasing confidence,
using appropriate vocabulary, grammar structures, and pronunciation.

5. Feedback and Error Correction: Feedback and error correction play a crucial role in communicative practice. Teachers
provide guidance and correction on language use, helping learners improve their accuracy and fluency. Feedback can be
given during or after the activity, highlighting areas for improvement and reinforcing correct language usage.

6. Collaboration: Collaborative activities are often incorporated into communicative practice, allowing learners to work
together towards a common goal. This promotes cooperation, negotiation, and the exchange of ideas, enhancing learners'
speaking skills and fostering a sense of community in the classroom.

7. Real-Life Simulations: Simulating real-life situations or tasks, such as job interviews, ordering at a restaurant, or giving
presentations, provides learners with opportunities to apply their language skills in practical contexts. These simulations
help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world communication.

Communicative practice in speaking skill aims to develop learners' ability to communicate effectively, fluently, and
confidently in real-life situations. It encourages learners to focus on conveying meaning, using appropriate language
resources, and engaging in authentic interactions. By participating in communicative practice activities, learners become
more proficient and comfortable in using the target language for practical purposes.
Some more methods and exercises that can be helpful for learners "To Achieve Competence in Mutual Communication and
Fluency in Expression" are:
1. Role-play Exercise
2. Dialogue
3. Discussions
4. Chain Stories
5. Telling Jokes
6. Talks/ Lectures
7. Conversation