Speaking

=Speaking = 

Activity 1
**Name of Activity:** Introducing Yourself and Introducing Others


 * URL:** []


 * Definition:** Students practice orally introducing themselves and others.


 * Language Level:** This activity is intended for beginners.


 * Content:** Students watch an authentic video clip of a group of people being interviewed. They are asked what their names are and are then asked to introduce their friends. Students can watch the video clip with or without subtitles (although it is suggested in the activity instructions that they first watch it without subtitles). After watching the clip they complete a series of online exercises aimed at improving their speaking skills. Each time a red button appears on screen they are required to click on it which enables them to record themselves speaking. They can then play the recorded audio back and compare it to the original. This should help them pick up on mistakes in intonation, pace, pronunciation and general speech naturalness, which they can then work on improving, ultimately giving them more confidence in their ability to communicate orally.


 * Classroom Suitability:** Microphones are required for this exercise so if a classroom or language lab is outfitted with the necessary equipment there is no reason why this cannot become a class activity. To avoid confusion and noise a headphone/speaker headset might be the optimum choice for such an activity but not all classrooms have access to such equipment. If it is possible for students to complete the activity in class they can then practice introducing themselves and their friends during the rest of the lesson. Alternatively, they can complete the online activity at home and then come to class and demonstrate what they have learned on each other.

**Activity 2**


 * Name of Activity:** Imagination Voyages.


 * URL:** http://www.iei.uiuc.edu/travelsim/


 * Definition:** Student plan a mock holiday in pair and are encouraged to improve their L2 speaking skills by communicating with their partners to plan the trip.


 * Language Level:** Intermediate


 * Content:** The online activity itself does not require the students to speak, as it is merely a mock engine where pairs or groups of students can plan aspects of an imaginary trip to Canada, such as accommodation, transportation, fare and things to do. The speaking aspect of this exercise comes about as they are encouraged to discuss all the elements to come into planning a trip with each other in the L2 before making their choices online. Since they will be speaking to each other in small groups or pairs they should feel less intimidated using the L2.


 * Classroom Suitability:** This activity seems very appropriate for classroom use, as it requires no microphones or speaking into the computer, and unlike many other online activities which are not dynamic, this online resource encourages authentic communication in class between the students.

This document provides information about the teaching of L2 speaking skills