Notes on Speaking skills

1. Language Functions in Listening and Conversation

-Definition

- Language functions refer to the various ways in which language is used to communicate
effectively. This includes asking questions, expressing opinions, agreeing, disagreeing,
making suggestions, and more.

Importance of Listening in Conversation:

- Listening is a crucial part of communication, enabling better understanding and

-Active Listening: Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to the speaker.

- Reflective Listening: Paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said to show
understanding.

- Empathetic Listening: Understanding the speaker’s feelings and responding with

- Key Techniques for Effective Listening:

1. Pay Attention: Focus on the speaker, avoid distractions.

2. Provide Feedback: Use verbal and non-verbal cues (like nodding).

3. Defer Judgment: Listen without immediately forming opinions.

4. Respond Appropriately: Ask questions, make comments that show understanding.

2. Peer Discussion
- Definition

- A peer discussion is a conversation between two or more individuals of similar status

- Characteristics:

1. Informal Setting: Usually takes place in a casual environment.

2. Collaborative: Encourages sharing of different perspectives.

3. Focused on a Common Goal: Participants discuss to achieve mutual understanding or

- Tips for Effective Peer Discussions:

- Be Respectful: Listen without interrupting others.

- Express Clearly: Use simple, direct language to communicate ideas.

- Stay on Topic: Keep the conversation relevant to the main issue.

- Encourage Participation: Invite quieter peers to share their views.

3. Group Discussion

- Definition:

- A structured conversation among a group (typically 4-6 people) on a given topic to

- Purpose:

- To assess communication skills, critical thinking, and teamwork in academic and

1. Preparation: Understand the topic beforehand, gather facts and examples.

2. Active Participation: Contribute to the discussion without dominating it.

3. Respectful Communication: Agree or disagree politely, avoid arguments.

4. Listening Skills: Pay attention to others’ points of view and build upon them.

- Common Phases of Group Discussions:

- Introduction: The moderator or a participant introduces the topic.

- Body: Participants share their viewpoints, provide evidence, and debate.

- Conclusion: A summary of key points, often ending with a consensus or a final

4. Public Speech

- Definition

- Public speaking involves delivering a structured talk to an audience with the aim of
informing, persuading, or entertaining.

- Types of Public Speeches:

1. Informative Speech: Provides facts and information on a topic.

2. Persuasive Speech: Aims to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint.

3. Entertaining Speech: Designed to amuse and engage the audience.

- Techniques for Effective Public Speaking:

2. Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence.

3. Engagement: Use stories, examples, and questions to keep the audience interested.

4. Body Language: Maintain eye contact, use gestures, and have an open posture.

5. Voice Modulation: Vary your tone, pitch, and pace to emphasize key points.

5. Theme Presentation

-Definition:

- A theme presentation involves speaking on a specific topic individually, usually as part of

- Structure of a Theme Presentation:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and the topic.

2. Body: Present key points supported by data, examples, or stories.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the main ideas and provide a strong closing statement.

- Tips for Delivering Theme Presentations:

- Understand Your Topic: Conduct thorough research.

- Use Visual Aids: Slides, charts, and images can enhance your presentation.

- Engage the Audience: Ask questions or include interactive elements.

- Manage Time: Stick to the allotted time to keep the audience’s attention.

6. Seminar Presentations

- Definition
 - A seminar presentation is a formal talk on a specific subject, often followed by a Q&A
session. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.

- Purpose of Seminar Presentations:

- To present research findings, case studies, or specialized knowledge to an audience.

- Structure of a Seminar Presentation

1. Title Slide: Include your name, topic, and date.

2. Introduction: Explain the relevance and scope of the topic.

3. Body: Discuss the main points with supporting evidence.

4. Conclusion: Provide a summary and implications of your topic.

5. Q&A: Prepare for audience questions.

- Strategies for Effective Seminar Presentations:

- Clarity: Use simple language and avoid jargon.

- Engagement: Use visuals and anecdotes to make the presentation interesting.

- Confidence: Maintain good posture, eye contact, and speak clearly.

- Handling Questions: Listen carefully, answer concisely, and admit if you don’t know an
answer.