What is Speaking?

What is Speaking?

Speaking is the active use of language to express meaning so that other people can understand and interpret it. It involves sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings through verbal and non-verbal communication. When we speak, we rely on language structures, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, to create meaningful messages. Speaking is not just about saying words—it’s about conveying meaning clearly to others.

Speaking can be defined as a process of building and sharing meaning through various forms of communication, including speech, gestures, and body language. It is an interactive process that involves both producing and receiving information, and the effectiveness of communication depends on context—such as the people involved, their experiences, and the environment. Often, speaking is spontaneous and can evolve during the conversation (Brown, 1994; Burns & Joyce, 1997).

Who is a Good Speaker?

To be a good speaker, one must master several skills beyond knowing grammar and vocabulary. A good speaker should understand when, why, and how to use language appropriately for different situations. This skill is called sociolinguistic competence. According to Richards, Platt, and Weber (as cited in Nunan, 1999), communicative competence includes:

1. Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary: Knowing the rules of language and the meanings of words.
2. Knowledge of speaking rules: Understanding how to start and end conversations, what topics are appropriate to discuss in different settings, and how to address people properly based on the situation.
3. Understanding speech acts: Knowing how to make requests, apologize, express thanks, and extend invitations.
4. Appropriate language use: Using language in a way that is socially and culturally acceptable.

Types of Speaking

There are three main types of speaking: monologue, dialogue, and performance.

1. Monologue: This is when one person speaks to express ideas, share feelings, or give information. Examples of monologues include speeches, news reports, and storytelling.
2. Dialogue: This involves two or more people talking to interact with each other. Examples of dialogues are conversations during shopping, in a classroom, or between friends.
3. Performance: This type of speaking happens in public, where a speaker shares information with an audience. Examples include classroom presentations, public announcements, and political speeches.

Purposes of Speaking

Speaking can serve two main purposes:

1. Transactional function: The goal is to convey information and exchange goods or services. For example, when you place an order at a restaurant or discuss a topic in a class discussion, you are using speaking for transactional purposes.
2. Interpersonal function: The goal is to establish and maintain social relationships. For instance, chatting with a friend or greeting a colleague involves speaking to build rapport and social connections (Thornbury, 2005).

Speaking as Interaction

When we use speaking as interaction, the focus is on the social aspect of communication. This means the conversation is about building relationships, being friendly, and creating a comfortable space for interaction. For example, talking with a fellow passenger on a bus or telling a friend a funny story are activities where the focus is on connecting with the other person rather than on delivering information.

Speaking as Transaction

In speaking as transaction, the main goal is to convey information clearly. The focus is not on how the speakers interact socially but on making the message understood. Examples include giving instructions, making a phone call, or ordering food at a restaurant.

Speaking as Performance

Speaking as performance involves delivering a message to an audience, often in a public setting. This type of speaking is usually planned and formal, and it focuses on clarity, structure, and impact. Examples include public speeches, classroom debates, and lectures. In this type of speaking, the speaker's goal is to inform, persuade, or entertain the audience (Brown, 1994).

Reasons for Encouraging Students to Speak in the Classroom

Harmer (2001) identifies three key reasons for encouraging speaking in the classroom:

1. Rehearsal opportunities: Speaking activities give students the chance to practice real-life conversations in a safe environment.
2. Feedback: Speaking tasks allow both teachers and students to assess language proficiency, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
3. Language activation: The more students speak, the more they activate their knowledge of language, which helps them use it more naturally and fluently.

Aspects of Speaking

Speaking can be assessed based on two main aspects: accuracy and fluency.

1. Accuracy: This refers to how well speakers use grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Activities that focus on accuracy require careful attention to these language components.
2. Fluency: Fluency is the ability to speak smoothly and without hesitation. In fluent speaking activities, the emphasis is on maintaining the flow of conversation, even if there are some errors in grammar or pronunciation. A fluent speaker can express themselves without unnecessary pauses or difficulties (Richards, 1994).

What Does a Good Speaker Do?

Good speakers are able to anticipate the needs of their audience and adjust their speech accordingly. They manage elements like turn-taking, rephrasing, and providing feedback to ensure clear communication. Additionally, they consider factors such as:

• The audience’s background knowledge and interest.
• The tone and formality of the speech.
• The use of gestures and body language to enhance understanding.
• The clarity and simplicity of their message, adjusting their speech if necessary (Brown, 1994).

Conclusion

In summary, speaking is a complex skill that involves not only the correct use of language but also an understanding of social contexts and communication strategies. To become a good speaker, it is important to practice speaking regularly, pay attention to both accuracy and fluency, and adapt language based on the audience and situation. By engaging in various types of speaking, such as dialogue, monologue, and performance, individuals can enhance their ability to communicate effectively and confidently.

References

Brown, H. D. (1994). Principles of language learning and teaching. Prentice Hall Regents.

Burns, A., & Joyce, H. (1997). Focus on speaking. National Center for English Language Teaching and Research.

Harmer, J. (2001). The practice of English language teaching (3rd ed.). Longman.

Nunan, D. (1999). Second language teaching & learning. Heinle & Heinle.

Thornbury, S. (2005). How to teach speaking. Longman.