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Speaking and communication skills

2.8. Communication Game -Debate – Interview- Extempore Speech
Communication games
One useful strategy to encourage language acquisition is using language games. When using games in the classroom, it is beneficial for teachers to have a complete understanding of the definitions of games, which usually are defined as a form of play concerning rules, competition, and an element of fun. Teachers should also consider the advantages of games:
·         the ability to capture students' attention;
·         lower students' stress;
·         give students the chance for real communication.
Teachers need to assess how to use games appropriately in the classroom. It is important to choose an appropriate time and integrate them into the regular syllabus and curriculum.  The following are some of the communication games that can be used in classroom situation
Jazz Chants
Write rhythmic jazz chants that contain grammar and/or vocabulary that you are reviewing.  Have the students recite these and perform them with clapping of hands and snapping of fingers.  Here are some examples:
Have you ever been to Rome?
No, I’ve never been to Rome.
Have you ever climbed that hill?
Yes, I often climb that hill.
Have you ever kissed a frog?
No, I’ve NEVER kissed a frog.
Have you ever told a lie?
Yes, I once told a lie.
[Reviewing use of “ever” and “never,” to avoid the common MISTAKE: “Yes, I’ve ever told a lie.”]
Songs: Using the tunes of songs that your students know, write songs that use the vocabulary and grammar of your lesson or unit.  Some tunes you can use are: Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Happy Birthday, Are You Sleeping, the ABC song (actually this is Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star) are tunes you can use easily.  An example is:
“Here is Jim’s mother, and here is Jim’s father, and here is sister, Kate.  What a nice family!” to the tune of Happy Birthday.
Gossip: A message is whispered to one student in a line and the second student whispers it to a third student. The message is passed down the line.  At the end, the last student says the message aloud.  The message has usually changed quite radically and this is very funny.  This game can be used to practice pronunciation and grammar that is being reviewed. 
Debates: A debate is a verbal argument that is conducted within a set framework. Debates are common in both political and educational environments. People can disagree with opposing views in a structured setting that gives all participants a chance to present and defend their arguments as well as reach conclusions about the arguments of their opponents.
Most debates with a public audience center around a controversial issue that has interest for the audience. Some debates have audience participation with some questions posed by the audience to the debaters. Debates may involve one participant against another or they may be in a team format. Basic debate formats vary widely in terms of time limits for speeches, the order of speeches and how arguments are presented.
The beginning speeches in a debate are called "constructive speeches" because the debaters present the basic construct of their argument. An argument in a debate means stating our position and justifying that position by stating why our position. Quotes and personal testimony can also be used as position-strengthening evidence.
Good debaters understand the importance of appealing not only to logic and reason but to the emotions of the audience. Argumentative strategies are important and debaters must anticipate the responses of the other debaters and the audience. An in-depth understanding of the topic is essential for a good debate. A good debater needs to prove not only why his position is the right one, but why the opponent’s position is the wrong one.
If a debate is a form of argument then it logically follows that there must be something to argue about. This is called the TOPIC. The topic changes from debate to debate. They are often about current issues of public importance ("Is it necessary for Tamil Lanka") or about general philosophies or ideas ("That Education is better than riches"). As in other arguments there are two sides to any topic. The team that agrees with the topic is called the AFFIRMATIVE. When organising a debate it is important to select a topic that is appropriate to the age and education of the debaters concerned. Often topics will cover areas that the debaters have a specific interest in or, in the case of schools debates that have been covered in classes or are current news items.
Interview: An interview is a meeting between an employer and an applicant to talk about a job. A job interview is an opportunity to present our skills to an employer in person. During the interview, an employer judges the candidate’s qualifications, appearance, and general fitness for the job opening. The interview is an opportunity to convince the employer that one is right for the job.
The interview also gives a chance to evaluate the job, the employer, and the company. The interview helps us decide if the job meets our career needs and interests.
It is very important to prepare for a job interview. If we prepare well, the interviewer will know that we are organized and that we are really interested in the job. If we learn as much as we can about the job and the organization before the interview, and if we are careful about our appearance, then we will make a good impression. If we practice the interview questions that the interviewers usually ask, then we will feel confident.
In some kind of interview like telephonic interview, face-to-face interaction does not take place. Organizations use interview as a selection technique to solicit accurate information and relevant details about an applicant which might not be available otherwise.
There are several types of interview which can be used by employing organizations. Given below are few types:
1.      Face-to-face interview and telephone interview.
2.      Preliminary interview and in-depth interview.
3.      Sequential interview and panel interview.
4.      Directive interview and non-directive interview.
 Extempore Speech: Extempore speech is competitions in which we have an option of topics and upon that particular topic we have to speak in a limited time. As there is a time limit we should take care of our speech. It should be to the point and clear.  The method that is followed in composing an extempore speech resembles very closely the method for written speech.  The extempore speech is impossible unless it is built from a clear mental or written outline prepared in advance.  In the process of composition the main points in this outline will be used to provide the leading ideas for the main divisions of the speech.
            It is necessary that the outline should be memorized by visualization that is by a process that enables the speaker to see it clearly in his mind constantly before him.    The speaker must fix in his mind the exact transitions that he will use in passing from each thought to the one that follows.  These little, unobtrusive words, phrases, clauses and sentences mean so much for ease and clearness of expression. Unless the transitions are anticipated the speaker may be brought to a dead halt.
2.9. Barriers for Effective Communication
D.E. McFarland has defined Communication as the process of meaningful interaction among human beings. There are some barriers in the communication system that prevents the message from reaching the receiver.  These barriers are as follows -
Language Barrier   Different languages, vocabulary, accent, dialect represents a national/ regional barriers. The use of difficult or inappropriate words/ poorly explained or misunderstood messages can result in confusion.
Cultural Barriers   Age, education, gender, social status, economic position, cultural background, temperament, health, beauty, popularity, religion, political belief, ethics, values, motives, assumptions, aspirations, rules/regulations, standards, priorities can separate one person from another and create a barrier.
Individual Barrier  It may be a result of an individual's perceptual and personal discomfort. Even when two persons have experienced the same event their mental perception may/may not be identical which acts as a barrier. Style, selective perception, halo effect, poor attention and retention, defensiveness, close mindedness, insufficient filtration are the Individual or Psychological barrier.
Organizational Barrier   It includes Poor organization's culture, climate, stringent rules, regulations, status, relationship, complexity, inadequate facilities/ opportunities of growth and improvement; whereas; the nature of the internal and external environment like large working areas physically separated from others, poor lightening, staff shortage, outdated equipments and background noise are Physical Organizational Barrier.
Interpersonal Barrier  Barriers from Employers are lack of trust in employees; lack of knowledge of non-verbal clues like facial expression, body language, gestures, postures, eye contact; different experiences; shortage of time for employees; no consideration for employee needs; wish to capture authority; fear of losing power of control; bypassing and informational overloading, while Barriers from Employees includes lack of motivation, lack of co-operation, trust, fear of penalty and poor relationship with the employer.
Attitudinal Barrier    It comes about as a result of problems with staff in the organisation. Limitation in physical and mental ability, intelligence, understanding, pre-conceived notions, and distrusted source divides the attention and create a mechanical barrier which affects the attitude and opinion.
Channel Barrier    If the length of the communication is too long, or the medium selected is inappropriate, the communication might break up. It can also be a result of the inter-personal conflicts between the sender and receiver; lack of interest to communicate; information sharing or access problems which can hamper the channel and affect the clarity, accuracy and effectiveness. To communicate effectively one need to overcome these barriers.
2.10. Testing Speaking
What to test
 ·         Fluency
·         Accuracy (Grammar)
·         Pronunciation
·         Task completion
·         Vocabulary
·         Appropriateness
·         Comprehension
·         Communicative competence
How to test
  • Question/Answer
  • Picture Test
  • Situation/Response
  • Role Play
  • Formal Presentation
 Scoring
Weighted Factors (Example)
  • Fluency (20%)
  • Pronunciation (20%)
  • Accuracy (20%)
  • Vocabulary (20%)
  • Task Completion (20%)
2.11. Approaches of assessing speaking skills
Generally, there are two approaches of assessing speaking skills in teaching and learning a second language. The first is the observational approach; in which the student is asked to perform one or more specific oral communication task - the student is given a task that is focused on a particular topic and asked to talk about it.  The student's performance on the task(s) is observed by the tester, and then evaluated according to a certain rating system.  The second one is the structured approach.
2.12. Practical suggestions for teaching speaking
English textbooks can be exploited to teach speaking skills. At middle stage, student cannot be able to produce perfect, oral language. They will make mistakes in speaking. Some time they can produce only one or two sentences when they are asked to participate in discussion. The teacher should combine his effort to use text book communicate by introducing following exercises
2.13. Suggestion for speaking activities at pre-reading stage
 1- Discussion on the picture: While introducing the lesson, teacher may show a picture related to lesson teacher may asking the students questions about the teacher, the people and the action of people in the picture in order to get oral answers from the students.
2- Discussion on the topic: Teacher may write the topic on blackboard and ask the students what they understand by the topic.
3-Asking General Comprehension questions: Teacher may ask students some general comprehension questions before the students read the lesson
2.14. Speaking activities in writing class
The elements of speaking can be introduce in writing class before writing stage of the following activities can be done.
1- Discussion of topic outline: Teacher may discuss the topic outline of story with the students before writing it.
  2- Class composition: Teacher may use class composition technique. In this technique, he may ask the students to give at least on sentence about topic and then teacher may pool these write story /paragraph with the help of these sentences.
3- Speech composition: To develop both speaking and writing skills at one time, The teacher may hold a speech competition in the class teacher may divide the class in to group speeches on each topic and may deliver the speech in class
4-Speaking through games: Speaking can be learnt d taught best through games
5- Mutual interviewing: In a new class, when a new session starts. Teacher may ask each student to    interview with the other students whom his name, father name, father’s occupation, number of brothers and sisters, his hobbies etc.
 6. Likes and dislikes: Students are asked to work in pairs and with mutual discussion find out five things they all like and five things they all dislike.
7-Find the difference: Students will be divided into pairs, one student will get picture A and other student will get picture B. both partners will not show their pictures to each other. But will describe their picture in turn and will try to find difference between two pictures


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