Definition
Speaking is the art of expressing or conveying one’s feelings using language. Speaking can also be defined is a way of vocal communication aimed at engaging another person through language (Al-Sobhi & Preece, 2018). English words sound different from other languages, such as French, because the use of phonetics and a combination of consonants and vowels create the sound of the words. An example is the word ‘play’ in French ‘jouer’ or ‘kick’ In French ‘coup.’ Speaking aims to declare, inform, persuade, ask, and direct.
Sub-Skills of Speaking English
There are six main sub-skills for speaking: language, accuracy, fluency, phonology, interpersonal, and pragmatics. Language is a sub-skill that entails sufficient competency in a particular viewpoint or topic in terms of grammar and lexis (Al-Sobhi & Preece, 2018). Accuracy is a sub-skill that involves recognizing and producing sounds, grammatical structure, and lexical items correctly and knowing when they are wrong. Fluency consists of understanding a progressive language stream with a particular pace. Phonology is another sub-skill that involves identifying the phonemes (‘t’ in ‘bet’) and the connection of the speech when speaking. Pragmatics is the social connections, such as turn-taking, paraphrasing, formality, clarification, and filter (Al-Sobhi & Preece, 2018). Lastly, interpersonal involves treating people with respect and empathy and demonstrating self-confidence while speaking, also called ancillary linguistic skills.
Importance of Speaking English
After now looking at the sub-skills of speaking, the focus is now on the importance of speaking skills. Speaking skills help in communicating effectively with others, expressing our feelings and thoughts the way they need to be. On many occasions, the linguistic students can be evaluated on how they speak because it measures how well they can drive home their ideas. Good speaking skills allow one to have other complementary skills which include, good listening skills, reading skills, and writing skills (Rao, 2019). Furthermore, good speakers are good writers because they can write several speech drafts or even a book. In addition, good speaking skills help a learner or any other communicator to influence decisions, motivate changes, and form connections with their listeners. An individual with poor communication skills cannot progress in life and the working world. In a broader perspective, public speaking skills are the most dreaded and essential form of communication. It is, therefore, necessary to realize that to induce change in any field of life is it, learning life or working life, you must possess good communication skills.
How to Teach English
Conversation is not aimed at only saying the right thing at the right place but not to say the wrong something at a tempting time. The above sub-skills should be considered to develop and teach speaking skills. Teaching language, a teacher should check the balance between grammar and lexical in a range of topics. The teacher should review the students’ reading, listening, and speaking skills per the syllabus. Teaching fluency involves, encourages students to converse on a particular topic and their own chosen topic in groups to correct where possible. Thirdly, accuracy is taught through on-the-spot correction of errors and encourages students to identify their mistakes such as pronunciation and spelling. The phonology is taught by the use audio examples, such as /’ həʊdʒə ‘getə klɑːs/ (Katawazai et al., 2019). Teaching pragmatics and interpersonal is aided by using eye contact, fewer interruptions, and teaching the students on the need for turn-taking, either by using a stopwatch or literary timing themselves.
Speaking Skill Information
English conversation skills should be considered necessary in daily lives because they help in passing thoughts and feelings to others effectively. To achieve the above analyzed speaking skills, it is essential to understand the basic skills such as stress management, listening, non-verbal communication, and emotional control (Rao, 2019). Combining the above skills may make the listeners understand what is being communicated and eradicate any possible barrier to the effective use of the language.
References
Al-Sobhi, B. M. S., & Preece, A. S. (2018). Teaching English Speaking Skills to the Arab Students in the Saudi School in Kuala Lumpur: Problems and Solutions. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies 6(1), 1-11.
Katawazai, R., Haidari, M., & Sandaran, S. C. (2019). An evaluation of sub-skills (vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation) in the grade 9 English Textbook of afghan secondary schools. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 8(5), 1236-1241.
Rao, P. S. (2019). The importance of speaking skills in English classrooms. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal (Acielj), 2(2), 6-18.