Do your students engage in partner conversations with confidence and ready to take a few risks with the target language when needed? Or, do they mostly rely on memorized phrases and default to their native language? If so, just know that it’s not just your students, and likely not about their ability. More often, the issue lies in how the speaking task is structured.
We can help support students and with the right scaffolds and you can get students talking, really communicating, no matter their proficiency level. Let’s look at how to design interpersonal speaking tasks that are spontaneous and supported. You’ll learn a simple framework you can apply right away, so unscripted speaking feels safe, doable, and even fun.
Why is Interpersonal Speaking a challenge?
Here’s the thing, students don’t need more vocabulary lists or more scripted dialogues. What they need is support for real-time interaction. And that doesn’t mean making things easier, it means making them doable.
Helping students speak more, and with more confidence, at every level comes down to how we design the tasks.
A shift in thinking and approach
Think about this for a moment: Spontaneous speaking doesn’t mean unprepared. It means unscripted.
Too often, we think of “spontaneous speaking” as something students either can do or can’t. But like reading or writing, it’s a skill that can be scaffolded. When we break it into manageable pieces, even true novices can participate in real-time conversation.
The essentials are simple:
- Align the task with students’ proficiency level
- Scaffold the interaction just enough to encourage risk-taking
- Create meaningful reasons to talk
You don’t need to scrap your curriculum. You just need to make space for structured, supported conversation that builds communicative confidence.
A Few Things to Try in Your Classroom
Frame the Conversation with Can-Do Statements
Anchor each task with a clear, level-appropriate Can-Do statement.
Instead of: “Have a conversation about the weekend.”
Try: “I can ask and answer questions about weekend activities.”
This small shift sets a realistic target and helps students understand what success looks like.
From there, adjust the scaffolds based on proficiency:
- Novices might use visuals, question stems, or sentence starters.
- Intermediates can be pushed to add follow-ups, share opinions, and sustain longer exchanges.
The structure stays the same, but the expectations grow with students’ abilities.
Use a Repeatable Framework
Consistency builds confidence. When students know what to expect from a speaking task, they’re more willing to take risks. Try this simple 4-step framework:
- Set the Purpose – What’s the Can-Do? What are students trying to accomplish in the exchange?
- Prep the Language – What supports (frames, visuals, prompts) will help them succeed?
- Create the Conditions – Will they interview a partner, do a mingle, or role-play a scenario?
- Reflect and Repeat – Afterward, reflect briefly: What worked? What was tough? Then try again with a new partner.
The more you use this structure, the easier it becomes—for both you and your students.
Your Turn
Here’s your challenge for the week:
- Choose one upcoming lesson.
- Write a Can-Do statement that fits your students’ current level.
- Build a short speaking task around it—just 3–4 minutes.
Then reflect:
- What supports did your students need?
- What made it feel like a real conversation?
- Try it. Tweak it. Repeat it.
Because here’s the truth: students don’t get better at speaking just by talking more. They improve by doing the right kind of talking—structured, scaffolded, and supported in the right way.
Go Further
If these approaches resonate with you my Quick Win PD Course: Boost Interpersonal Speaking at All Levels gives you the tools and guidance you need to make it happen.
In just 30 minutes (and only $10), you’ll learn how to:
- Design interpersonal speaking tasks that align with ACTFL Can-Do Statements
- Scaffold real-time conversation with supports that reduce fear and build proficiency
- Create classroom conditions that invite authentic, purposeful interaction
- Use a repeatable planning framework to manage, reflect on, and improve speaking tasks
What you $10 gets you:
- An audio walkthrough—listen anywhere
- A note sheet to guide your thinking
- Examples for novice, intermediate, and advanced classes
- A reusable planning template
- A PD certificate to document your hours
You can get the individual course or the Quick Win PD Growing Bundle, which gives you all 10 current courses plus all future ones.
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