As I mentioned in my last entry, a speaking checklist can be a useful reference point to help test takers prepare for the speaking component of their English proficiency exams.

I outlined nine (9) speaking missteps in my last blog entry. Let’s focus on nine more today.

Variety with Sentence Structure –  This is important because you don’t want to sound like a robot or like someone who doesn’t quite understand where a sentence ends. When we speak in long, complex sentences, and stuff too many words together, we end up gasping for air and confusing the person who is listening to us.  Balance is key.  Use a variety of simple, compound and complex sentences.

Wrong Word Order –  A word-order error is one in which the parts of speech in the English language are misplaced.  Sometimes, errors of word order are serious because they impact intelligibility.  This means that the meaning the speaker is trying to communicate is not understood.  When minor errors of word order occur, they may simply distract the listener.

Disorganized Thoughts –  Answers should be coherent. This means that the ideas you are communicating to the examiner should flow together as smoothly as possible.  The thoughts expressed in your answer may be brilliant, but if they are upside down and all mixed-up, the examiner will not be able to understand them.

Poor Use of Restatements and/or Transitional Words –  It is important to offer examiners discourse markers in your spoken responses.  Think of this like driving: when you’re going towards a new destination, you (as a driver) need road signs – or reminders to help you know where you’re going and how much longer it will take for you to get to the end of your journey.  These reminders and/or smooth transitions ensure a pleasant and enjoyable ride for your listeners.

Senseless Repetition – For more information about this, you can refer to my blog entry on adverbs. Overusing adverbs can create senseless repetition. Consider a combination like: absolutely essential. It’s redundant. You don’t need the adverb “absolutely”.  How about this: completely eliminate?  You don’t need the adverb “completely”. Watch out for these mistakes.  They are very easy to make.

Straying from the Topic – You may provide the examiner with an excellent response, but if your response doesn’t answer the question which was asked of you, or if your response veers off-topic, then your final score will reflect the intentional or unintentional evasion.   Please listen to the examiner carefully.

No Concluding Remarks – You don’t have to say, “In conclusion” to indicate that you are about to complete your answer. There are many other phrases that you can use. Think of some generic sentences that you can prepare ahead of time. You might say:  “Therefore, it’s important that we look at this issue in a new way.” OR “It seems to me that more information is needed to shed light on this question.”  If you have a few seconds remaining on the clock, it is best to provide some form of closing remark.

Bias – This is a difficult topic because it is culturally-specific. What communicates bias in North American culture may not be considered bias in another culture. Still, it is difficult to see the wisdom in communicating insult or injury in your spoken response.  Avoid racist, sexist, homophobic remarks in your answer. Also avoid disparaging comments against individuals with special needs or special healthcare needs.

Foul Language, Profanity – A new book was released this year entitled “Swearing Is Good For You” by Emma Byrne. The author argues that trash talking affords some very real physical and social benefits.  Although the author may have a point in certain workplace situations,  please AVOID foul language on all English proficiency examinations. It will not be appreciated.

If you enjoyed the information in this post, please don’t keep it a secret.