What makes a good speaker?
Objectifs de la leçon:
 to understand what your learning style is and how
to improve your memory
to understand what makes a good speaker
To learn techniques/tips to help you become more
confident
First, let’s look at what learner you are…
Visual Learner
• You…
• learn best by seeing
• speak quickly, hold your head up, shoulders
straight
• are a good long term planner
• are a good speller
• memorise by strong visual associations
Auditory Learner
You…
• learn best through hearing
• like to listen to talks, music
• are a good story teller
• talks to yourself (first sign of madness eh eh)
• like talking more than writing
• are easily distracted by noise
Kinaesthetic Learner
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
You…
learn best by doing and through movement
are often a good athlete
speak more slowly
memorise by moving around, walking etc..
gesture a lot
don’t mind clutter/mess on your desk/in bedroom…
use action words when speaking
want to act things out
Memory and you…
Why we all need visual memory
The key is to match your learning style to the way in
which you are going to be tested for your speaking
exam
Because most tests are written, and retrieval of verbal
information (words) is greatly enhanced when the
learner has stored pictures in their brain/is using visual
memory, all learners will want to improve their ability
to ‘visualise’ when they learn.
Why music will enhance memory
One beat per second music relaxes the heart,
blood pressure reduces, you feel more relaxed
but your mind stays in an alert state
Why you are what you eat!
If you eat peanuts or raw almonds about 20 minutes
before exams, some research has found that you
think better and faster. Eating protein helps you to
think more clearly for longer periods of time. (N/A
for those with nut allergies obviously!)
Techniques to help you remember
your speaking exam
Summarise
Look over the material (topics for eg)
before you read it thoroughly.
Check the questions titles and any key
word in each answer.
This gives the brain an overview of
what’s in the topics
Read
Read for a purpose.
Read to answer your own
questions (topics/pres).
Question
In a notebook, turn all the paragraphs
(presentation for eg) into questions
for you to answer.
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
How?
Remember
Recite the material to yourself.
Create spider diagrams with pictures that
summarise what you have read.
Hold the summary up to your visual
memory and rehearse the material.
Snap a picture of your summary and place
it in your visual memory.
Review
Review material just before the test
Use your visual memory
Listen to 60-beat per second music to
accelerate your learning
Sit or stand exactly as you do when
you are feeling your most successful!
Now, what makes a good speaker…
Volume
oAll words can be heard and understood easily
oYou stress and emphasize certain word/phrases
to focus attention and add interest to what you
are saying
oCertain words are said a little differently to
give them a special meaning
Pace
oPace is appropriate: you are not speaking too slowly
or too quickly
oYour French is flowing fluently rather than words
being said one after the other
oYou know when to pause when you reach the end of
sentences
Pronunciation
oYour pronunciation is clear and precise
oYou know not to pronounce silent letters in
words
oYou make sure that “é” /”tion” sounds for eg
are heard clearly
Accuracy
oThe language is appropriate to the topic asked
oYou are using the correct tenses depending on the question
asked/topic you are talking about
oYou give answers with the correct word order
oYou give answers with opinions,connectives,adverbs…
To finish…
what can help you before and during the
exam…
oLearn to put your hand up in class to contribute to activities to build up
your confidence
oKnow that most people in the class are as shy as you when speaking
French
oImagine there is no one else in the room
oThink about how a French person would say the words
oPractise at home out loud to get used to the sound of your French voice.
Practise with a friend according to your learning style
oKnow that it’s ok to make mistakes when you are practising in class. I
will help you correct the pronunciation
oMake Q cards of your work to help you break it down. It will look less
daunting
oCome to revision classes after school to practise in small groups or 1-1
oDo a “real time exam” practise as it will show you exactly what to
expect on the day…
oThe more you practise with me the more comfortable you will get
(TRUST ME )
On the day…
oWhy not bring a lucky charm?
oYou will be sat opposite me with a table and tape recorder between us so
sit tall to show you are in control and you know your answers
oTry to sit still and not move your legs or play with papers on the table
oThink about your visual memory and “see” your answers in your brain
oYou can mime the answers as you say them if you learnt certain action for
words when revising
oSpeak clear and loud enough
oDon’t slouch on your chair
oAvoid “eum” after every word/phrases
oTake deep breaths and remember that in 10-12 min time it will be all over
Grades for speaking
Grade A
Grade C
Bonne chance!