Topic 4: Speaking Skills – English Form 5 Notes (New Syllabus)

Speaking Skills

What is Speaking?

Speaking is the act of communicating through spoken words in either formal or informal situations. The way a person speaks often depends on the relationship with the audience and the purpose of the communication. Speech helps people express ideas, feelings, opinions, and information.

Effective speaking requires clear pronunciation, correct stress, and proper intonation. These elements help listeners understand the message correctly and make communication successful.

Pronunciation

Every language has its own sound system and way of pronouncing words. Linguists use special symbols known as phonetic symbols to represent speech sounds. These symbols are written between two slashes //.

Examples of phonetic symbols include:

/s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/, /f/, /v/, /æ/, /ʃ/, /ð/, /ŋ/, /tʃ/, /ʒ/, /θ/

Some words may have different spellings but the same pronunciation, while others differ slightly in both spelling and sound.

Examples:

• cat – cut
  /kæt/ – /kʌt/
• shoot – shut
  /ʃuːt/ – /ʃʌt/
• see – sea
  /siː/ – /siː/
• heart – hurt
  /hɑːt/ – /hɜːt/

Speech sounds are represented using phonetic symbols enclosed between slashes, for example: /kɔːt/.

There are two major categories of sounds in British English:

1. Vowels
2. Consonants

Vowels

Vowels are divided into three groups:

Monophthongs (Pure Vowels)

These are single vowel sounds which may be long or short.

Task

Transcribe the following words:

• doctor
• work
• hurt
• money
• room
• just
• small
• pull
• put
• read
• chest
• kill
• feet
• market

Diphthongs

Diphthongs are combinations of two vowel sounds pronounced together as one sound.

Task

Read the following phonetic transcriptions and write them in normal spelling:

• /meɪn/
• /laɪt/
• /heɪt/
• /leɪt/
• /streɪt/
• /naʊn/
• /təʊ/
• /weɪ/
• /meɪ/
• /eɪbl/
• /eɪt/

Triphthongs

Sometimes three vowel sounds are combined and pronounced as one sound. These are called triphthongs.

Examples:

• /eɪə/ as in player /pleɪə/
• /aɪə/ as in higher /haɪə/
• /ɔɪə/ as in soya /sɔɪə/
• /aʊə/ as in flower /flaʊə/
• /əʊə/ as in lower /ləʊə/

Consonants

British Standard English has twenty-four consonant sounds. These sounds are produced when airflow is blocked or restricted in some way during speech.

Test Yourself

Write the phonetic transcription of the following sentences:

1. They are going to see them today.
2. She will help you.
3. That man is very clever.
4. We are going to meet her again.
5. The management will take it.

Stress and Intonation

Stress and intonation are important features of spoken language because they affect meaning and understanding.

Stress

A word is made up of sounds, and these sounds form syllables.

Example:

date /deɪt/ → one syllable word

Some words contain more than one syllable.

Example:

selection /sɪˈlekʃən/ → three syllables

In words with more than one syllable, one syllable is usually pronounced more strongly than the others. This is called a stressed syllable.

Examples:

• Pho.NE.mic
• MOVE.ment
• MO.ment
• tre.MEN.dous
• exami.NA.tion
• MEET.ing

Definition of Stress

Stress is the emphasis or prominence given to a sound or syllable in speech.

Some words also have a weaker stress known as secondary stress.

Examples:

• understand /ˌʌndəˈstænd/
• contribution /ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən/
• controlled /ˌkənˈtrəʊld/
• disconnect /ˌdɪskəˈnekt/

The high mark ( ˈ ) shows primary stress, while the lower mark ( ˌ ) shows secondary stress.

Stress within Words

In English, stress placement can change depending on word formation.

Examples:

Stress and Meaning

Some English words change meaning depending on stress placement.

Examples:

Stress in Compound Words

Compound nouns are usually stressed on the first word.

Examples:

• LIGHThouse
• BEDroom

Compound adjectives and verbs are often stressed on the second word.

Examples:

• backFIRE
• kneeDEEP

Functions of Stress

Stress helps to:

1. Emphasize important information
2. Make words understandable
3. Differentiate similar words
4. Focus the listener’s attention
5. Distinguish statements from questions

Examples:

• Your name is Asha.
• Your name is Asha?

Tone

Tone refers to the pitch of the voice during speech. It may be high or low and affects meaning and emotion.

Types of Tone

Falling Tone ()

The voice falls from high to low pitch.

Uses:

• Statements
• Commands
• Wh-questions
• Exclamations

Examples:

• He came yesterday.
• Close the door.
• What are you doing?

Rising Tone (/)

The voice rises from low to high pitch.

Uses:

• Yes/No questions
• Requests
• Incomplete statements

Examples:

• Have you eaten?
• Can you help me?
• If he comes tomorrow…

Fall-Rise Tone

The pitch falls and then rises again.

Uses:

• Reservations
• Warnings
• Partial agreement

Examples:

• Yes, but…
• Be careful.

Rise-Fall Tone

The voice rises and then falls.

Uses:

• Enthusiastic agreement
• Strong emotions
• Sarcasm

Examples:

• Of course!
• How wonderful!

Intonation

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice in speech. It helps convey meaning, emotion, and grammatical structure.

Functions of Intonation

Grammatical Function

Helps identify statements, questions, requests, and commands.

Accentual Function

Shows emphasis and word category.

Attitudinal Function

Expresses feelings such as anger, excitement, surprise, or disappointment.

Discourse Function

Helps speakers take turns during conversation.

Formal and Informal Language

People use different language styles depending on the situation.

Informal Language

Informal language is used in casual situations with friends, family, and familiar people.

Examples:

• What’s up?
• Hi guys.
• How are you?

Characteristics of Informal Language

• Use of contractions (I’m, we’ve)
• Short sentences
• Simple vocabulary
• Slang and colloquial expressions
• Incomplete sentences

Examples:

• Wanna go?
• It’ll be fine.
• Hey dude!

Formal Language

Formal language is used in official, academic, and professional settings.

Characteristics of Formal Language

• Correct grammar
• Complete sentences
• More advanced vocabulary
• No slang
• No contractions

Examples:

• commence instead of start
• domicile instead of home
• adhere instead of follow

Participating in Social Interaction

Communication involves different forms such as conversations, discussions, and debates. Effective communication requires good speaking and listening skills.

Initiating a Conversation

A conversation may begin by:

Giving an Opinion

• I think town life is more enjoyable than village life.

Giving a Fact

• Many citizens were affected by the floods last year.

Asking a Question

• Do you think corruption can be controlled?

Presenting Ideas Effectively

To communicate successfully:

• Speak clearly and confidently
• Allow others to contribute
• Use polite language
• Listen attentively
• Respond to questions appropriately

Concluding a Conversation

Good conclusions help maintain positive relationships.

Examples:

• Thank you everyone.
• Have a nice day.
• See you next time.

Participating in a Debate

A debate is a formal discussion on a controversial issue called a motion.

The purpose of a debate is to persuade listeners through arguments and evidence.

Debate Leadership

A debate usually includes:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Timekeeper
• Judges
• Patron or Matron

Debate Participants

Proposers

Support the motion.

Opposers

Argue against the motion.

Useful Debate Expressions

Greetings and Introduction

• Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
• My name is… and I stand to oppose the motion.

Giving Arguments

• I strongly support this motion because…
• Another important point is…

Disagreeing Politely

• I respectfully disagree with the previous speaker.
• I beg to differ on that point.

Concluding

• To conclude…
• Thank you for listening.

Examples of Debate Motions

• Kiswahili should be used as the language of instruction in Tanzania.
• Death penalty should be abolished.
• Sex education should be introduced in primary schools.

Strategies for Preparing a Speech

To prepare an effective speech:

1. Prepare early
2. Understand your audience
3. Consider audience size
4. Focus on audience interests
5. Determine your purpose
6. Research your topic well
7. Show confidence and enthusiasm
8. Analyze the occasion and situation
9. Maintain ethical standards
10. Avoid stereotypes

Strategies During Presentation

Show Confidence

Avoid nervousness and speak with assurance.

Maintain Eye Contact

Look at different sections of the audience.

Use Gestures

Use body movements that match your message.

Use Notes Properly

Glance at notes occasionally instead of reading directly.

Speak Clearly

Use a loud and clear voice.

Maintain Good Posture

Stand upright and move confidently.

Parts of an Oral Presentation

Introduction

The opening should attract attention and introduce the topic.

Main Body

Discuss the topic in detail using examples and evidence.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points and end clearly.

Examples:

• In conclusion…
• To sum up…
• All in all…

Types of Speech

Informative Speech

Provides information or explanation.

Examples:

• Definitional speech
• Descriptive speech
• Expository speech

Descriptive Speech

Describes a person, place, or object vividly.

Process Speech

Explains steps involved in doing something.

Expository Speech

Presents researched information in an organized way.

Persuasive Speech

Aims to influence opinions or actions.

Good persuasive speeches:

• Give evidence
• Explain benefits
• Show urgency
• Encourage action

Participating in an Interview

An interview is a formal question-and-answer session used to assess knowledge, skills, or qualifications.

Examples include:

• Job interviews
• Research interviews
• Media interviews

Preparing for an Interview

Before the Interview

• Learn about the organization
• Practice common questions
• Arrive early
• Dress smartly

During the Interview

• Be friendly and polite
• Listen carefully
• Answer confidently
• Maintain eye contact
• Use respectful language

Common Interview Questions

Tell Us About Yourself

Focus on your strengths and qualifications.

What Are Your Strengths?

Mention positive qualities related to the job.

Example:

• I am organized and manage time effectively.

What Are Your Weaknesses?

Turn weaknesses into areas of improvement.

Example:

• I sometimes spend extra time ensuring my work is perfect.

Are You Self-Motivated?

Example:

• Yes, I always look for new ideas and ways to improve my work.

What Do You Do in Your Spare Time?

Mention productive hobbies or volunteer activities.

How Do You React to Criticism?

Example:

• I appreciate constructive criticism because it helps me improve.

Final Note

Pronunciation, stress, intonation, and effective communication skills are essential in daily life. Good speaking skills help people express themselves clearly, build confidence, and communicate successfully in both formal and informal situations