1. Communication strategies

In this post I want to give you some practical advice and language for you to prepare for your speaking exams, especially your interaction part. I have taken this information from the British Council. We will practise these techniques and language in class.

1.1 When you don't know an exact word

If you don’t know or can’t remember an exact word – don’t worry! There are lots of things you can do to communicate without saying the exact word. These are very useful strategies that even native speakers use.

General words

If you can’t remember the word ‘surgeon’, you could say a more general word like ‘doctor’.

Examples

If you don’t know the word ‘cutlery’, you could give examples such as ‘knife, fork and spoon’.

Relative clauses to give a description

(It’s a person who ... / thing that ... / place where ... )

If you don’t know the word ‘briefcase’, you could say ‘It’s a thing that people use to carry papers to work’.

Describe the purpose or function (It’s used to + infinitive / for + -ing)

If you don’t know the word ‘scissors’, you could say ‘They are used to cut paper’ or ‘They are used for cutting paper’.

This strategy works well with objects that have a clear use or function.

Synonyms (words that mean the same)

If you don’t know the word ‘tiny’, you could say ‘very small’.

This strategy works well with nouns and adjectives.

Antonyms (opposite words)

If you don’t know the word ‘weak’, you could say ‘not strong’.

This strategy works well with adjectives.

Approximations (It’s a kind of ... / It’s a sort of ...)

If you don’t know the word ‘bungalow’, you could say ‘It’s a kind of house’ or ‘It’s a sort of house’.

1.2 Opinions

Here are some expressions you can use to give your opinion and ask for your partner’s opinion. You will need to use these expressions in a discussion activity.

Giving your opinion

I think... / I don’t think ...

I believe... / I don’t believe ...
In my opinion,
For me,
Personally, I think ...

Asking for someone’s opinion

Do you agree?

What do you think?
What do you think about ... (this)?
Do you think that’s right?
What’s your view?
Are you OK with that?

1.3 Agreeing and disagreeing 

Here are some expressions you can use to agree and disagree. You will need to use these expressions in a discussion activity.

Agreeing

That’s right!

Absolutely!
Exactly!
Me too!
Yes, I agree!
I totally agree!

I couldn’t agree more!

I see exactly what you mean!

You're right. That's a good point.

Disagreeing

I don’t agree!

I totally disagree!
Absolutely not!
That’s not right!
I’m not sure about that.

Partly agreeing

I agree up to a point, but ...

I see your point, but ...
That’s partly true, but ...
I'm not so sure about that.

It is always a good idea to justify your opinions. Don’t just say ‘I agree’, but say ‘I agree because I think that ... (explain your reason).’

1.3 Showing interest

It is very important to show that you are interested in what your partner is saying. Use these expressions to show you are interested. Remember! When we are very interested or surprised our voice is higher and louder.

Normal response

Uh-huh.

That’s interesting.
Oh, I see.
Right.

Stronger response

Really?

Wow! That’s amazing!
That’s incredible!
No way!
You’re joking!

Do you understand?

When you are speaking to someone it is important that you understand each other. If you don’t understand something, ask your partner to explain what they mean. If they don’t understand you, explain what you mean. Use these expressions to help you.

When you don’t understand

I don’t understand.

Could you repeat that?
Could you say that again?
What do you mean, exactly?

I’m not sure what you mean.

Can you explain that?

Explain what you mean

What I mean is ...

In other words ...

1.4 Suggestions

In some speaking activities you have to make suggestions and/or respond to suggestions. Use these expressions to help you.

Making suggestions

Why don’t we ... (+ verb without ‘to’) ?

Shall we ... (+ verb without ‘to’) ?
Would you like to ... (+ verb) ?
Let’s ... (+ verb without ‘to’)
What about ... (+ -ing) ?
How about ... (+ -ing) ?

Responding to suggestions

Yes, OK.

That’s a good idea.
That sounds great!
No, I don’t think so.
I’m not sure about that.
I’d prefer to ... (+ verb).

1.5 Taking turns

In an exam you have to take turns with your partner because you both need to talk. Make sure you speak for long enough and that your turn isn’t too short. Use these expressions to help you.

Take turns

You start.
I’ll go first.
Shall I go first?
Do you want to begin?

Make your turn longer by giving examples

What I mean is ...
So, in other words ...
For example ...
Such as ...

Avoid silence and get time to think

So ...
Erm ...
Well ...
Let me think ...

In English-speaking cultures we avoid long silences or pauses. We look at the other person and show that we are listening to their turn. We also indicate when we want to speak and use expressions to keep our turn.