1. 1
SPEAKING – HOW TO MAKE A GOOD SPEECH
Addressing a large group of people is always a complicated situation, and
when you are a student and the audience is your teacher and classmates,
it is even more complicated. If, in addition to this fact you have to speak
in a foreign language such as English, students sometimes view the
situation as traumatic.
DO NOT PANIC! Here are a few tips to help prepare a good speech and
be successful in your task.
1. Practice makes perfect, the more times you make a speech, the more
confident you will become.
2. Always prepare in advance. Once you have decided on the subject, do some research work. Know
your facts and make some notes.
3. Your notes should be built by topics. Use cards, one point to each card.
4. You can also use visual aids (posters, pictures, PowerPoint presentation) to emphasise your points.
5. Involve your audience. Use eye contact and gestures.
6. Start with something shocking. Surprise your audience. Make sure you have a strong beginning and
ending to your speech.
PREPARING A ROLE-PLAY
Students often view a role-play as a troublesome activity simply because it implies they have to stand
up and speak English out loud before an audience. Nonetheless, if you prepare yourself adequately and
take time to practise, a role-play can be fun and a great way to improve your English. Remember, a
role-play is just like acting and you can enjoy yourself pretending to be someone else. Just follow these
tips:
1. Read the role card very carefully because it will give you the main features of the character you are
asked to play.
2. The role card will also tell which point of view/opinion you will have to defend, so make sure you
understand the subject and what you are going to do.
3. Once you know which opinion you are going to defend or which point of view you are going to
argue, do some research on the subject to develop consistent arguments.
4. Make sure you take some notes. Make a list of the arguments you will need to use. Don’t write full
sentences, just write down some topics. If you write full sentences you might feel tempted to read
them during the discussion and that makes your speech sound rehearsed.
5. During the role-play, listen to the other participants because you might have to counter argue and
defend your point of view. Don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s normal to make mistakes, but that is the
best way to learn.

2. 2
PREPARING FOR A DEBATE
The key to a successful participation in a debate is preparation and a relaxed attitude.
1. Practice makes perfect, the more times you participate in a debate, the more confident you will
become. You will be able to express your ideas and views more strongly.
2. Always prepare in advance. Once the subject of the debate has been decided, do some research
work. Know your facts and make some notes. Take special care while doing this if it has been
defined that you will have to defend a specific point of view on the topic.
3. Make some notes. They will help you remember some key issues that you mustn’t forget to put
forward during the session.
4. Do not write full sentences. Your notes should be simple and brief otherwise your participation will
sound rehearsed.
5. Make each point clearly. Involve your audience, using eye contact and gestures, in order to get
them to understand your views.
6. Be careful! If you are going to take part in a debate as a member of a group, it is wise to have a
quick pre-debate meeting with all the members of the group so as to coordinate your arguments and
avoid repetitions.
7. During the debate, pay close attention to what the opposing side is saying. You need to hear their
views to present counter arguments.
Now it’s time to practise. Choose a topic and try it. You’ll find out it is easier than it looks.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
ARGUING COMPLAINING THREATENING AGREEING/DISAGREEING
You don’t seem to realise
that …
Surely, you’re over-looking
something …
A further advantage …
Not only …but also
I’m complaining about…
I’m simply saying it’s wrong
of you to do this.
If you don’t solve this
problem, the consequences
could be very serious.
If the problem is not
resolved, we’ll have to take
further action.
That’s just what I was
thinking
Yes, but…
Well, you have a point there,
but…
I’m sorry but I think you are
mistaken.
I’m afraid that’s not quite
right.
EXPLAINING/ADDING
INFORMATION
GIVING EXAMPLES CONCLUDING EXPRESSING OPINION
To begin with …
In the first place …
In addition to …
The main disadvantage ….
Due to the fact that …
… as a result …
…in order to …
For instance…
For example…
Take this situation as an
example…
All things considered, I must
say that …
To sum up …
Finally …
I’d just like to say…
If you ask me …
As I see it …
I feel very strongly …