Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B1 - Lesson 1: Speaking with More Flow on Familiar Topics

Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B1

Speaking with More Flow

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure a longer answer on a familiar topic using discourse markers and connectors to improve your speaking flow.

"Level Up" Your Fluency 🚀

At B1 level, fluency is about creating flow by structuring your thoughts and connecting them smoothly. Let's compare an A2 answer with a more fluent B1 answer.

Question: "What do you like to do in your free time?"

A2 Answer (Simple List)

"I like to read books. I also like to watch movies. I sometimes hang out with my friends."

B1 Answer (Structured Flow)

"Well, that's a good question. In my free time, I have a few hobbies that I really enjoy. First of all, I love reading, especially fantasy novels. Also, I'm a big fan of watching movies. For example, I saw the new Marvel movie last week. And sometimes, I like to hang out with my friends."

How to Build a B1 Answer 🏗️

When you have to speak for a longer time, don't just say random sentences. Follow this simple structure.

• 1. Opening Phrase

  Start with a discourse marker to give yourself time to think.
  Examples: "Well...", "That's an interesting question...", "Let me see..."

• 2. State Your Main Point

  Give your first main idea using a sequencer.
  Example: "First of all, I really enjoy traveling."

• 3. Add a Detail or Example

  Give more specific information to support your point.
  Example: "...For example, last year I went to Mondulkiri."

• 4. Add Another Point

  Use a connector to add your second idea.
  Example: "Also, I like to read books about history."

Tips for Better Flow

💡 Pronunciation: Chunking and Pausing

To speak with good flow, break your speech into "chunks" or "thought groups". You say one chunk smoothly, pause briefly, then say the next. A slash (/) shows a place for a short, natural pause.

"First of all, / I love reading, / especially fantasy novels. / Also, / I'm a big fan of watching movies."

Pausing between chunks gives you time to think and helps your listener to follow you easily.

Practice Your Flow 🎯

Activity 1: Upgrade the Connection

Combine the two simple sentences using the more advanced connector in parentheses.

1. I like Khmer food. I really like amok. (especially)
   → "I like Khmer food, especially amok."
2. She is a great student. She always gets top marks. (For example)
   → "She is a great student. For example, she always gets top marks."
3. He likes playing sports. He enjoys reading. (Also)
   → "He likes playing sports. Also, he enjoys reading."

Activity 2: One-Minute Talk

Choose one of these topics: Your Hometown / Your Job / Your Favorite Holiday. Try to speak about it for one minute using the 4-step structure. Use connecting words to create flow.

Your Fluency Toolkit

• Flow (in speaking) | ភាពរលូន
  Speaking smoothly, with ideas that connect well logically.
• Discourse Marker | ពាក្យរៀបចំការនិយាយ
  A word or phrase that organizes speech (e.g., Well, Anyway, First of all).
• First of all
  Used to introduce the first and most important point.
• Also | ផងដែរ
  A word used to add another point or idea.
• For example | ឧទាហរណ៍
  A phrase used to introduce a specific example.
• Especially | ជាពិសេស
  Used to show that one thing is more important than others.

Your Fluency Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to practice speaking with better flow.

Choose one familiar topic (like your studies or hobbies). Plan a short talk using the 4-step structure from this lesson. Practice saying it until you can speak for about one minute. Try to include phrases like "For example..." and "Also...". Recording yourself on your phone is a great way to check your flow!