Learning Circles and speaking skills

It is possible to use your Learning Circle to discuss programmes you have heard on the BBC World Service.This can help build your confidence and can give you something to speak about with other members of the group. However, there are many other ways in which Learning Circle activities can help you to develop your spoken English. 

It is important to remember that we speak in different ways depending on the person we are speaking with and the subject we are discussing. For example, if we are chatting with a friend, we will probably use short sentences and informal vocabulary. In this situation, we want to make sure that our friend feels comfortable in the conversation, so we usually ask questions and use ‘noises (such as ‘uh-huh’ or ‘mmm’) to show we are listening. However, if you have to give a presentation to a group of people, you will have to use more formal vocabulary and longer sentences.

5TOP TIPS

SPEAKING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR LEARNING CIRCLE

1. Give mini-presentations Giving short presentations in your Learning Circle can help build your confidence if you have to use English in your work. Members of the Learning Circle can take turns to make a short presentation to the group. It could be on any topic – a hobby or interest, a BBC World Service programme they have heard, their favourite singer or actor – or even a point of English grammar! The only rules are that the presentation is kept short (around 5 minutes) and that there is an opportunity for other group members to ask questions. If you really enjoy giving presentations in your Learning Circle, why not turn it into a competition with a prize for the best presentation?
2. Try story-telling Telling stories is a useful way to practise speaking. By telling part of a story, you have to use words and grammar which you may not need when simply chatting with friends. For example, do you have any well-known folk tales in your country? Practise your English by telling them in English in your Learning Circle. Each member tells part of the story, with other group members helping out with new words. Keep a dictionary with you!
3. Check your accuracy On page 2, we advised you not to correct every mistake which members of the Learning Circle make. However, it is important to think of ways to improve the accuracy of what you say. One way to do this is to record part of a discussion which you have in your Learning Circle.When you listen, try to identify and correct errors which you made when speaking.This is a useful task, because it can also tell you if you contribute too much (were you the only person who spoke?) or too little (did you say anything in the discussion?).
4. Try a role-play How can you practise the language you need for different situations if you speak English with only a few people? One answer is to role-play situations. For example, you might want to practise for a job interview. Divide into 2 groups: Group A are the interviewers and Group B are the people who want the job.A member of Group A and a member of Group B work together, with A asking ‘interview’ questions and B giving answers.Try to think of other situations which members of the Learning Circle are likely to meet and practise role-playing these situations in English.
5. Practise active listening It might seem a little strange, but listening is an important part of speaking. By listening ‘actively’, we can encourage the speaker to give us important information and to explain information which is unclear.Try to encourage the members of your Learning Circle to be ‘active listeners’.When a member of the Learning Circle gives a presentation, always try to think of at least one question to ask. If you agree with what is said, show the speaker by saying ‘yes’ or nodding your head. By being an active and encouraging listener, you can help others to be effective speakers