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albertrayan

In this section you can see the latest postings from my personal blog.

TALK
blog
Making students speak: MAP formula
Submitted by albertrayan on 20 May, 2008 - 05:30
“I teach English at an engineering college in Kerala (India). I’ve been asked by the college management to teach
communication skills. I find it difficult to make all students speak; some students are always passive. It discourages me a lot.
I don’t know whether the problem is with my approach or with my students. Please suggest some strategies that really
work.”

This email message is from a lecturer in English.

I have received a number of similar queried from teachers ever since I started contributing the column ‘English Matters’ to a
newspaper in India.

Trainers and teachers who are involved in developing students’ English speaking skills often get frustrated because some
students do not attempt to speak at all. When the teacher wants the students to be active they prefer to be passive. This is a
universal problem. The teacher faced with a serious problem of passivity among students looks for a solution to make them
active participants but doesn’t succeed always. Why does it happen? I
n a typical classroom environment it is quite common to have students who are highly motivated or semi-motivated or
unmotivated. Sometimes even motivated students become passive because the activities assigned to them to make them
speak do not enthuse them. At times, we may have motivated students and good speaking tasks/activities but the teacher’s
attitude and approach may put the students off.

How to make the unmotivated or semi-motivated students speak? As a teacher and trainer, I too have faced the problem of
passivity; my colleagues at different institutes in India and abroad have experienced it. We have discussed the issue and tried
various strategies that have proved to be effective.

I’ve devised a formula called “MAP formula” to make all students in a class speak without inhibition. MAP is the acronym
for Motivate, Activate and Participate.

1. Motivate
According to Encarta dictionary, the word ‘motivate’ means ‘to make somebody feel enthusiastic, interested and committed
to something’. A good teacher is a person who can motivate his (her too) students. The following are some tips to motivate
your students:

o Before you motivate others you should motivate yourself. You should be enthusiastic. Exhibit your passion for
training your students.
o Be a role model to your students. If you want your students to speak well, you should be articulate. Inspire them.
o Establish a rapport with your students. You should attract your students towards you. The more the students like you,
the better they learn and participate in activities.
o Be a friend but not a philosopher. That is, don’t sound abstract when you speak to them. Give concrete examples.
o Always give a pat on the back. Use phrases such as “Well done. It is a good attempt.” “I liked your argument very
much.” “It is a good point.” “You have been very creative.”
o Always sound positive. Instill confidence in your students. Tell them that it is easy to develop their speaking skills
and make them believe your words. Make them believe that they have the potential to express themselves clearly in
the target language.
o Use strategies that do not threaten them. It is very important to learn and practise a language in a non-threatening
environment.

2. Activate
The word ‘activate’ here means to make someone active or to cause someone be productive. The statement “Ignite, fuel,
sustain a fire in the mind of your student” that I came across in an article best summarizes the meaning of the word. You can
activate your students in a number of ways:

o Enthuse and energize your students.

o Create a friendly and conducive environment for students to speak and discuss topics and issues. The layout of the
classroom, for example, matters a lot.

• Make your students feel comfortable discussing any topic. Some topics may not arouse their interest at all. Recently,
I gave the following topics for group discussion:

1.
1. A Baby boy is a blessing and a baby girl is a curse.
2. Money is more important than values.
3. Smoking in public places should not be banned.
4. Most engineering students in India lack critical thinking skills.
5. Ragging promotes friendship and unity among freshers and senior students and so it should be encouraged.
6. Caste system is a blessing in disguise and so it should be strengthened.
7. Success in life comes from money.
8. Collecting capitation fees is the right of self-financing colleges.
9. Brain drain should be encouraged.
10. Politics and corruption do not go together.

The controversial nature of the topics listed above made all students express their views. Even students with low level of
proficiency came forward to speak.

• Encourage free discussion. The objective is to make your students speak fluently. At a later stage, you can train them
to be coherent, logical, etc.

o Tolerate their grammatical errors and correct them later. Are your students adults? If they are treat them as adults.

o Allow judicious use of certain words and expressions in the students’ native language when they struggle to find the
equivalents in English.

o Even if your students violate the rule of speaking English, do not get angry with them. Gently tell them not to use
L1.

o Give more pair work and group work. Most students are comfortable being part of a small group.

o Add humour to your presentation and have fun with your students.

o Make students sit face to face during group discussion. Direct eye contact helps students develop their
communication skills.

3. Participate
The third principle is to ‘participate’. It means to take part in an event or activity. It implies that the teacher should come
down to the level of students. It is possible only if he undergoes a paradigm shift and has a positive attitude towards his
students and adopts a result-producing approach.

• Mingle with your students and participate in activities such as group discussions and role play.

• Empathize with learners who need your special attention.

• Know your students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Students’ role
The MAP formula is not for the teacher alone. Students should also adopt the MAP formula for themselves. They should
know how to motivate and activate themselves. After recharging themselves they should actively participate in
tasks/activities that aim at promoting their communication skills.
David Martin in his book Talk a lot (2), published by EFL Press, Japan, says that he makes his students sign an agreement
with him. Each student makes the following promises:

“I promise to try to speak as much as possible. I promise not to be afraid of making mistakes. I promise to use English to
communicate. I promise to ask questions when I do not understand. I promise to try to have fun!
Golden Formula to Speak English
Effectively
By Rocky Saggoo - Posted on 07 July 2010

To speak English fluently is not so difficult task as people think. Here is a simple but
effective formula about How to Improve Spoken English:

To take every single step of life, we need to be confident. The people, who are not
confident enough to achieve their aim, can never reach at top. This same rule applies in
learning English. I have seen so many people around me, they are just fantastic in
grammar section, and their vocabulary is also quite good, but one thing which they lack
in speaking, is "Confidence".

Your confidence will really take you to the top of your English. Whether you are joining
any institute or learning English online you must have confidence in yourself to speak
well one day. Confident people always take every step boldly. Some people take many
many years to improve their English, and some improve in few months, the basic
difference between them is Confidence.

How to Gain Confidence for Speaking

Effective English
Read about the successful people and learn about their mind boggling confidence, speak
with your friends without having the fear of grammatical errors, talk to yourself in front
of the mirror, indulge in short conversations at public places, call to customer care of
your mobile after every 2-3 days, keep pumping yourself that you would be able to
become good speaker one day, start thinking everything in English, and keep visiting this
beautiful site.

How to Market Your Personality to Boost

Career
Most of the people of the modern world go for those things which can pass their three-
point criteria: 1. quality, 2. attractive packaging, and 3. good marketing. Similarly your
talent won't get its deserved place in this world until you project and market yourself in a
way that can impress others. Most of the young persons fail at this front and as a
consequence they are unable to rise in the career graph. Unrecognised by the world they
are often forced to live an ordinary life. So it is time to wake up and prepare yourself for
the challenge of the new world.

1. Gain Confidence

Millions of young persons fail in the interview every year and the single most important
factor behind their failure is - lack of confidence. This problem may generate due to
many reasons: 1. A person may not be well-prepared, 2. He may not have a good dress to
wear, 3. He may be lacking communication skills, 4. He may not be having necessary job
skills, 5. He may be having a negative self image. There may be one or more reasons
behind lack of confidence of a person but the biggest reasom is - a negative self image.

One of the greatest American writer and personality development instructor Norman
Vincent Peale said: The single greatest discovery of my life, outside of my relationship
with God, has been the understanding that when you think in negative terms you will get
negative results, and when you think in positive terms, you will get positive results.
Therefore the first step to improve your self image and gain confidence is to think in
positive terms. Thinking in a positive way is actually a habit that one has to develop with
constant practice. Even if you are very frustrated force yourself to think that something
positive will happen in your life.

Before sleeping always see yourself preparing well for a forthcoming interview and
getting a good job. Do this exercise for five to ten minutes everyday till you get a good
job. You will start getting a better and positive self-image soon. A positive self-image
fills you with confidence. Such a person is always hopeful and get good results in life.
Such candidates mostly get success in interviews too.

So how you can gain more confidence now. First by following all other suggestions in
this article, second by thinking in positive terms.

2. Wear a Good Dress

Good dress and confident attitude of a person has become the new trade mark in modern
corporate culture. A carefree attitude towards one's dress has become the thing of the
past. In companies you would hardly see any shabbily dressed person. A well-dressed
person looks more smart and confident. A good dress is a positive stimulus for the
wearer. It gives a positive boost to his self-image. And it always has a positive
impression on the interview board. How much able a person may be he won't be selected
by the board if he/she is awkward in wearing. Dress professionally according to the
demand of the job.
3. Get a Good Physique

A healthy body and smart look is absolutely essential to win the heart of a good job. And
a regular schedule of exercise is necessary to get it. Exercise keeps you refreshed and
energised. You can take exercise either at home or join a local gym. 30 to 60 Minutes
exercise five days a week is enough for you. Exercise also melts the mounds of strain in
your mind and helps the muscles of your face to relax. If you are able to go to a park it
will be more beneficial. Fresh morning air of a green area is good for both your mind and
body.

4. Improve Communication Skills

Good communication skills add soul to the personality of a person. If you have a group of
intelligent friends or family members your communication skills improve in a natural
way otherwise you need to join a good institute. You should not only be able to speak
fluently but with accuracy also. Grammatical mistakes may cause embarrassing situations
for any one. You will leave a bad impression on the people as well as on the interview
board.

How to Develop Self-Confidence -

Scientific Tips

Whether you have to appear for an interview, do business or run a popular website you
need to be confident in your ability. Lack of confidence can be the biggest handicap for a
person. Physical handicap is never a hurdle on your way to progress but lack of
confidence definitely is. It is almost impossible to succeed without self-confidence.

Sophia Loren said: "Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in
yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive,
go so much further than people with vastly superior talent.” It is the truth that reveals
the reason behind so many persons getting more success although they may be inferior in
talent than you.

Actually a man with confidence is able to communicate more powerfully with simple
sentences. Confidence generates a sort of magnet in his simple words. Their enthusiastic
communication touches the heart of readers who come back to read more of their
writings. This is the reason why confident persons are generally successful in running
business or getting good jobs. Another benefit of self-confidence is that it draws friends
to you - both male and female. A confident persons is always successful in dating too.

In ancient times although the means of communication and transport were few and very
slow yet the religions spread at astonishing speed to far-off corners of the world. It was
the miracle of the law of faith. A religion always demands unquestioning and committed
faith in Guru and God. The whole energy of the followers is expected to nurture the
grand tree of religion. Even in modern world see the new religious gurus. They are very
successful although your children may be having more talent.

Absolute faith transforms your mind and body into a powerful magnet. It attracts the
desired object towards you. And consequently you become more successful. It is wisely
said that faith can conquer the world.

Any person can attain self-confidence by following a few simple steps.

I CAN DO IT

The best words to gain confidence are very simple: I can do it. Repeat these words as
often as you can. Whenever you feel unable to do a particular work say to yourself: I can
do it. Close the windows and doors of your room and shout: I can do it. Go to a lonely
area and shout: I can do it. This process will change your mental programming slowing
but surely and gradually fill confidence in you.

TO CONQUER FEAR TRY IT AGAIN

If you have fear of driving the only solution is to practice driving more and more. If you
fear to speak English in front of others you just need to speak more and more. Start from
your family members and friends. In the beginning speak a few sentences then try to
speak more. In case you hesitate to assert yourself you can overcome it by trying again
and again. Just repeating the action will help you to gain confidence to do the task in a
better way.

GAIN KNOWLEDGE

Sometimes people lack confidence because they lack knowledge. In such a case get
knowledge. Read books, newspapers or magazines. Get training from an institute.
Discuss with others. When you have enough knowledge about a subject or work you feel
more confident.

IMAGINE YOU ARE SUCCEEDING

The next good step to gain self-confidence is to imagine that you are confident and
succeeding. Do this exercise of imagining twice a day.
ACT LIKE A CONFIDENT PERSON

Famous psychologist William James advocated principle acting. Even if you don't have
any confidence in you try to act daily that you are having it. You have to do it
intentionally. Stand in front of a mirror and replace your gestures into the gestures of a
very confident persons. Intentionally and firmly fill the feeling of confidence in you. Try
to act confidently for some time.

Follow the above suggestions till you become really very confident, and start gaining
success in life. After that your sub-conscious mind will take charge and do the work of
strengthening your new programming of gaining self-confidence.

"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson

You Can Improve Spoken English - 7 Tips

As learning English has become an international craze a lot of people try different means
to improve their spoken English. Many want to improve it without even learning
Grammar.

In case, your mother tongue is English you do not actually need to learn grammar. You
will learn English naturally. But if it is not your mother tongue then you can not speak it
correctly without understanding the sentence structure. Still you do not need to go deep
into grammar. A simple knowledge is enough. Here are seven tips which will help you to
improve your spoken English fast:

Tip No.1

Visit this site everyday and read a few conversations loudly. Some persons ask frankly:
what is the use of reading loudly? I tell that it removes hesitation, and like children we
learn speaking faster when we can hear our own voice.

Tip No.2

Not every day but now and then read grammar chapters. Basic need is to learn simple
sentences, tenses, imperatives, modals and articles. You do not need to learn grammar in
detail. Learning definitions of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, or structure of clauses is
wastage of time. Moreover, it will confuse your mind.
Tip No.3

When you have got some knowledge of grammar and conversations from this site, first
try to speak in English with your close friends or family members. As you are less
hesitant with them it will help you to improve easily.

Tip No.4

Accent practice is easy at your own home. You can practice three types of accents. To
learn your country's accent watch news channels of your country. To learn British accent
watch BBC. And to learn American accent watch CNN. Listen and try to imitate the
news readers. This is the best method to learn an accent. No institute can help better when
you can learn it at home from the best speakers - the media news readers.

Tip No.5

Once a week you can listen to your recorded voice. Record while speaking on a particular
topic or talking to your friend or family member. Then see your pronunciation and
understand your mistakes.

Tip No.6

Keep a dictionary with you. It will help you to learn the meanings and correct
pronunciation.

Tip No.7

Write a diary or blog regularly. It will refine your sentence making. Consequently, you
will gain confidence in speaking.

Top 20 ways to improve your English

1. Read English newspaper daily even if you don't understand it. After a few months you
will see a change. You will improve your English and understand most of the news.

2. Keep a daily diary. Write a page or few lines every day on any topic or about your
experience of the day.

3. Write in blogs. You need not be a perfect writer of English to write in blogs. Moreover
you get published immediately, and it gives you satisfaction of being published even if
you write bad English.

4. Listen to English news at night while taking your dinner.

5. Watch English movies now and then. If you don't understand today you will be able to
understand after a few months. In the beginning you may watch English movies which
have subsitles (translation) in your language.

6. Freequently visit a good website that helps you learn English.

7. Listen to English songs while taking exercise in the morning.

8. Join a regular coaching center where you can practice talking to others freely in
English language.

9. Keep a book of Conversation with you. Read the dialogues loudly again and again. Or
read conversation at a good website.

10. Whatever English you know teach it to your family members and friends. It fill fine-
tune your btain.

11. Do English exercises again and again, it will build your confidence in sentence
making.

12. To learn British accent, watch BBC regularly. And to learn American accent, watch
CNN regularly. To practice the accent of your country, watch English news channels of
your own country.

13. To improve spellings, write a word five times. Write 5-10 ten words daily.

14. Speak on a topic in English, and record your voice. Then listen to it two or three
times.

15. Daily chat with your internet friends in English.

16. Plan your learning. Set time everyday to improve English.

17. Write SMS more often, and only in English.

18. Develop a habit of weekly window-shopping in malls. Try to speak in English as

much as you can.

19. Ask your boy friend or girl friend to give you speaking topics. And do speak a few
sentences in English.

20. While sitting or lying sometimes we speak to ourselves or just think. Try to speak and
think in English.

Good luck! You will definitely improve and gain a lot of confidence. Anandrahi
Ten Tips on How to Learn English
Speaking
1. Take a firm decision first that you are ready to work hard to learn English speaking. It
will improve your concentration.

2. Get a good dictionary which tells you the meaning of English words in your language.

3. Learn to pronounce the words properly with the help of dictionary.

4. Listen to people who speak good English. Watch TV programs, Videos, or listen to
tapes. A lot of listening helps your mind learn faster.

5. Learn simple grammar under the guidance of a good tutor or guide. If you don't find a
good teacher learn it yourself with the help of a book or lessons from a website.

6. Make friends who can speak to you in English most of the times. You should also have
a couple of friends whose mother tongue is English only.

7. Read English books, newspapers or magazines.

8. If you want to gain mastery over English then start thinking in English too as soon as
possible.

9. Keep patience as you need a lot of practice to be confident in English speaking.

10. Speak clearly so that people are able to understand you properly.

Three Tips to Speak English Fast -

English Conversation
HAPPY: Jen, you have started speaking better and faster. Did you get training?

JEN: I got quick speaking training from EngoSpeak.

HAPPY: But I have no time to join an institute. Can you give me some tips?

JEN: Why not. You are a good friend.

HAPPY: It has been my dream to speak English fluently. I can write well, but I can't
speak fast.
JEN: In my opinion your speaking is good although you speak slowly. If you speak fast,
some people may not understand you properly.

HAPPY: Still I want more fluency. Please guide me how to get it.

JEN: I shall give you just three tips to help you improve your speaking power. 1st is to
read newspaper everyday, and read it loudly as fast as you can.

HAPPY: OK. I can do it. How will it help to speak fast?

JEN: It helps your brain to work faster as there will be better coordination between your
thoughts and verbal expression.

HAPPY: I can understand.

JEN: 2nd tip is even easier. You must read at least three conversations on the website
everyday. Read them loudly and fast. Repeat the conversations often.

HAPPY: This tip is similar to tip one. I can also follow it easily. And what is your last
tip?

JEN: Talk to a friend or family member and ask for help in quick speaking. Speak on a
topic for 15 seconds as fast as can. You have to speak on ten topics. Topics of speaking
will be given to you by your friend or family member. Now and then you can also have
this practice of quick-speaking alone. Write ten topics on a paper and start speaking
practice.

HAPPY: 3rd tip is also easy to follow. First I shall practice alone, then I shall take the
help of my sister.

JEN: In a couple of months you will be surprised to see your progress.

Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part Two
•

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Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part Two
 By EngoSpeak - Posted on 16 August 2010

In situation speaking a person learn to speak a few sentences in a particular situation.

1. Borrow your friend's car

Hello, Ramesh? How are you? I am Raju. My car has broken down. There are guests at
home. Can you give me your car for one day? Thanking you very much.

2. Calling a taxi

Is it taxi stand? We need a taxi. We have to go to IGI Airport. There are only three
passengers and some luggage. What will be the charges? Please send one taxi at 10pm.
Note down my address and phone no......

3. Urgent Need of Money

Hello Puneet, how are you? Puneet I want Rs.500/- urgently for my school fee. My
parents are not here. They have gone out of Delhi for two days. As soon as my parents
come back I shall return your money. Thanks.

4. Congratulating Your Friend

Hello, Sushma! I am very happy today. Heartiest congratulations to you on passing with
good marks. I saw your result in the newspaper. May God give you success in every field
of life! When will you give me treat? I shall wait for your phone.

5. Invite Your Uncle To the Party

Hello uncle, how are you? I am Amrita Speaking. Uncle, there is a good news for you. I
have got job in a multinational company. So we are giving a party at home on coming
Sunday. The party will start at 7 pm. We invite you with family. We shall wait for you.

Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part One
In situation speaking a person learn to speak a few sentences in a particular situation.

1. Borrow Friends Book

Raju, I have lost my English Book - 'Guided Reading'. Can you give me your book for
one day? My test is tomorrow. I have to prepare for the test. Thanks.
2. Birthday Invitation

Hello Ravi, how are you? You will be glad to know that tomorrow is my birthday. I am
celebrating it at my home. I shall cut the cake at 7pm. There is dinner afterwards. I invite
you. Please do come.

3. Shopping

Hello Mohan! Are you free in the evening? Can you go with me to the market? I have to
buy some new dresses. Please reach my home at 5pm. We shall go to Rajouri Garden on
my bike.

4. Order Dishes

Hello, is it Narula's? Please note down my order: one plate shahi paneer, one plate dal
makhani, one plate raita, four butter nans and two pastries. Send the dishes soon. Write
my address and phone number........

5. How dit you Celebrate your Birthday?

I celebrated my last birthday at my home. My family decorated the drawing room. I

invited my friends only. My mother prepared tasty food. We enjoyed music and dance.

Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part Three
In situation speaking a person learn to speak a few sentences in a particular situation.

1. Booking room in a hotel

Hello, is it Taj Palace, Shimla? I am speaking from Delhi. I want to book one double-bed
room. What are your charges ? Please book the room for three days. We shall reach
Shilmla on 5th of next month.

2. Advise Your Brother to Work Hard

Aman, come here. I always see you sitting in front of TV. Why do you not study? You
may fail in the examination. So, I advise you to work hard and get good marks. Without
study you can't make a good career.
3. Call a Doctor

Hello, is it Vandana Clinic? Good morning doctor! I am speaking from Ramesh Nagar.
Doctor, my neighbour has very high fever. He is unable to come to your clinic. Please,
come immediately. The address is...........

4. Demand Pocket Money From Your Father

Good evening, papa! I have to talk to you. You don't give me pocket money. In college
my friends bring pocket money. They can purchase what they want. Some friends make
fun of me. I feel ashamed. Can you please give me Rs.100/- every week. I promise that I
shall not misuse my pocket money

5. Buying A TV

Excuse me! I want to buy a good television. It should have at least 100 Channels and 21
inches screen. It must be attractive. Will you suggest me one? And, can I pay in
installments?

Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part Four
In situation speaking a person learn to speak a few sentences in a particular situation.

1. Trade Fair Programme

Hello Meena! I am Rajani speaking. How are you? You know International Trade Fare is
going on at Pragati Maidan. We can visit there on Sunday. We shall go in my car. Please
reach my home at 11am.

2. Advising your brother

Rahul, come here. You often tell a lie. It is not a good habit. Nobody will believe you. It
may spoil your career. So you must improve yourself. I hope you will follow my advice.

3. Scolding a Kid

Manu! What are you doing? Why are you breaking your toy? You often break your toys.
What is the reason? Toys are costly. You must keep them with care. Otherwise we shall
never bring toys for you.
4. Inviting an MP

Good morning, sir! I am speaking from Delhi Welfare Society. We are holding annual
function on coming Sunday. We are inviting you as the chief guest. We hope you will
grace the occasion. Please come at 9am. We shall be thankful to you.

5. Scolding younger brother

Mahesh, come here. How did you break the headlight of my bike? You drive very fast. If
you don't drive carefully I shall never give you my bike again. Now get the headlight
repaired from your pocket money.

Spoken English - Situation Speaking :

Part Five
In situation speaking a person learn to speak a few sentences in a particular situation.

1. Magic Show

Last Sunday I saw a magic show in Talkatora Stadium. I went there with my friends. The
show started at 8pm. The magician showed many good tricks. It was a wonderful show.
The audience clapped many times. I also enjoyed the show very much.

2. Report Car Theft

Excuse me! Please write my F.I.R. My car has been stolen. I had gone for shopping in
Rajouri Garden market. I had parked my car in the parking place. When I came back
from shopping my car was not there. Its colour is blue. It is Honda City. Its number
is .......

3. Going on trip

Good morning, papa. Our school has arranged a trip to Ooty. Charges of the tour are
Rs.1500/-. My all friends are going. I also want to go. Please give me permission to go.
Thanks papa.

4. Uncle has got late for dinner

Hello uncle! Where are you late? Why have you not reached as yet? We are worried. You
were to come at 8pm. Now it is 9pm. Dinner is ready and getting cool. Please come soon.
5. Thanking Uncle for Gift

Uncle, thanks for sending me birthday gift. It is a beautiful video game. Everybody has
liked it. Why didn't you come on my birthday. I missed you on my birthday