English as an Additional Language: Speaking

Review this section for tips and strategies to becoming a more effective speaker.

As a university student, you will need to regularly speak with different audiences - professors, instructors, TAs, staff, and other students - and may also be assessed on your ability to participate in class discussion or present information. Some students with an EAL background may feel uncertain or nervous about these expectations, but it is important to know that everyone has a place in the conversation.

In a multicultural environment, such as Canada, it is common to hear accents from all over the world. As such, while it is important to speak clearly to maximize the chance that an audience will understand what it is you are saying, it is not necessary to try and lose one’s accent when speaking in English. Remember, what’s most important is your willingness to try even when you are doubtful about your abilities.

In this section, you will learn the expectations for speaking English when speaking one-to-one with professors, instructors and peers; in class or group discussions; and for formal presentations.

Speaking confidently is key to successfully maneuvering the Canadian academic landscape. Students with EAL are often doubtful of their speaking abilities when they participate in varied conversations. 

 Watch the video below for tips on becoming a confident speaker. 

One-to-one conversation happens daily as you converse with professors, Tas, instructors, staff and classmates. These conversations may be held to learn, collaborate, or socialize. Review the tips below for participating in such conversations.

In group discussions, three or more people are included in the conversation. However, as groups become larger, the conversation space widens, which in turn can make it difficult to follow the threads of the discussion, especially if there are overlapping comments or if people are speaking quickly or in an unfamiliar accent. At times, EAL students may be reluctant to join the conversation, because they may think they have misunderstood something or are not sure what to say. However, as part of your studies, you will need to speak confidently and effectively.

Remember that you can ask clarifying questions, if you do not understand what someone has said. It may be that their thought was unfinished, and that others in the group did not understand either. Engage with others respectfully by acknowledging their ideas, even if you did not agree with what they said, and connect your contributions to the ideas that have been discussed previously.

Review the following tips for participating successfully in small group discussions.

At times, you will be required to participate in whole class discussions, typically facilitated by an instructor (e.g., a professor, or TA) or sometimes a classmate (e.g., during a student-led seminar). Through these discussions, you refine your understanding of course material, articulate and defend your ideas, and help build new knowledge as part of the group.