Boosting ESL Students’ Confidence in Speaking
 Teachers often look for ways to boost their ESL students’ confidence in
speaking. Students of English as a Second Language (ESL) are known to possess
impeccable skills in grammar and sentence structures, even when compared to
native speakers. A majority of these students also have exposure to other macro
skills of the language like reading, writing and listening focused primarily on
vocabulary. Often times, however, ESL students don’t have the chance to talk
with native speakers. What was learned sometimes remains to be just part of the
variety of subjects they memorized. With this, the opportunity to put into
practice what was learned in the classroom is slim. When they are confronted
with having to talk with the native speakers of English, ESL students’
confidence in speaking is often shaken. Confidence in speaking the target
language has a big impact on programs designed for teaching.
Teaching One-on-One
 Commonly mentioned in discussions but actually practiced with rarity, this is a
setting by which a student is given the opportunity to work closely with a
tutor. This is known to boost ESL students’ confidence in speaking as it gives
the chance to converse more comfortably and freely than it would be in front of
maybe 10 or more students. Here, the teacher designs and adjusts the materials
and the teaching strategy to make it a unique environment fitted for a certain
learner.
The ESL student having the full, undivided attention of the teacher is
engaged in a kind of communication tailored for understanding and addressing
their individual needs. It also gives opportunities for prompt feedback. Another
advantage of this is the convenience on the part of the student learning at a
personalized speed with customized materials. Because it follows no structure,
the class is more flexible and thus addresses fully the objectives of an ESL
learner. Both the teacher and the student can even decide on using materials
they mutually found helpful. The teacher, serving as the sole role model, has to
be proficient enough to provide an environment that boosts ESL students’
confidence in speaking.
Free Talking Sessions
 Another way to boost ESL students’ confidence in speaking is the utilization of
free talking sessions. Many students lose the chance to discover and explore
their linguistic potential because there is too much emphasis on the perfection
of grammar and sentence structure. By just speaking what comes to mind and
forgetting about being entirely grammatically correct, students get the feeling
of satisfaction and are able to speak their mind without being criticized on
technicalities.
In most cases, this can be done by listing words or phrases on a piece of
paper and letting the students pick one at random. They can be given time for
preparations and are required of length for non-stop talking on the subject
picked. The teacher, making sure that the rule is understood, does not only give
students the practice in thinking quickly but also exposes students to
situations when they have to speak impromptu when required. The students, aware
that they won’t be graded based on grammar, will most likely speak with
confidence.
A Day to Interview the Teacher
Getting away from the usual direction of questioning, another way to help boost
ESL students’ confidence in speaking is the use of “A Day to Interview the
Teacher” technique. Here, students are given the assignment to prepare questions
for their teacher. They are encouraged to ask questions that interest them and
through this exercise are motivated to ask the correct ones.
After the student has asked the teacher, educators will then redirect the
question to the learner. Perhaps, it can be assumed that the student is prepared
with questions they understand. Doing so will also model asking follow-up or
secondary questions. When dealing with a beginner, the teacher may even take
note of the questions so they can be used for practice the next day or session.
This provides students with hands-on experience as far as initiating
conversations and asking follow-up questions in English.
Small Group Presentations
 ESL teachers may also employ small group presentations to help foster speaking
skills. Students may be given some time to prepare for a small talk whether it
be about their favorite book, authors, or even things about their country. This
gives students the chance to plan and speak in English in the classroom. Other
class members may be given the chance to ask some questions which will pave the
way to fulfilling a much higher goal of language learning.
This strategy also gives students the chance to organize, discuss, compare
and interpret information with other class members. This does not only enhance
knowledge but opens an opportunity to understand the assigned subject
thoroughly. Because an ESL student does not need to talk alone in front of the
class, it will help shape determination to increase one’s oral skills and boost
confidence in speaking.
Wrapping Up
Teachers can employ a variety of conversational practices to help students
develop confidence in their speaking. Often times, the teacher can devise
activities matched with their students’ attitude, level of proficiency and
purpose for studying. With the variety of ESL students, there is no single
strategy proven to boost the skill across the board. With an encouraging teacher
who continuously seeks activities to draw students’ attention, learners will
surely feel more assured that they are being prepared and can ultimately
communicate with native speakers in due time.
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