This lesson focuses on what being fluent means.
Evaluate the fluency sections of your past test scores. Why do you think the evaluator scored you that way?
Have your student look at their past test scores with you, if applicable. Focus specifically on the fluency sections. If this is the student’s first time taking the test, you can ask why they chose fluency as a necessary step to improving/reaching their goals.
- What do you think being fluent means?
- Why is it important to be fluent in your workplace? When do you feel it is enough? When do you feel it is lacking?
NOTE: Many people think fluency is the ability to speak fast, but it’s actually the ability to speak smoothly!
Discuss the above questions with the students. Fluency is taught in STS 6-10, but in this course, we will be looking at study skills rather than quick wins.
- Speaking fluently means being able to speak smoothly and confidently.
- Speaking fluently means being able to show emotions and enthusiasm through the use of intonation, stress, and rhythm.
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Speaking fluently means being able to use pauses effectively, and in the right spaces.
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Speaking fluently means using not only your words, but also your gestures, eye contact, and other non-verbal signals.
Are there other points you can add to this list?
With your student, check understanding of each sentence.
- Do they agree or disagree?
- Do they think fluency means something other than what’s written here?
In addition, let students know that these will be the topics that we will cover in the next few lessons.
Take a minute to read the following paragraph to yourself and make sure you understand what is being said. When you are ready, read it out loud to your teacher, paying attention to your pauses, your level of confidence, your enthusiasm, and non-verbal signals.
The human voice: It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world, probably. It’s the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet, many people have the experience that when they speak, people don’t listen to them. And why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world? —Julian Treasure, How to speak so that people will listen.
At-home study: Watch the video, "7 ways to Improve your Communication Skills in English". The article provides all the tips written out so you can follow along, and save them as a resource.