Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B2 - Lesson 1: Speaking with More Spontaneity & Less Hesitation
Welcome to this new series on fluency! A common challenge for B2 learners is feeling like you "know" the grammar and vocabulary, but you pause and hesitate when you speak. This lesson will teach you practical strategies to improve your spontaneity1, reduce thinking time, and make your speech flow with better coherence2.
The Truth About Spontaneous Speech
Even native speakers hesitate! The goal is not to eliminate pauses completely, but to make your hesitation3 sound natural and fluent. Instead of long, silent pauses or repeating "uhhh," you can learn to use phrases that give you time to think while keeping the conversation moving.
Scenario: An Unexpected Question
Listen to this conversation between two friends, Dara and Thida. Thida asks an unexpected question. Notice how Dara uses specific techniques to answer spontaneously without long, awkward pauses.
Thida: "With all the new cafes opening in Phnom Penh, do you think the city is losing its traditional character?"
Dara: "Wow, that's an interesting question. Let me think... (He uses a filler phrase to buy time). Well, in my opinion, it's a bit of both. (P - Point) The main reason I say that is because while we see modernization, the traditional elements are still very strong. (R - Reason) For example, you can enjoy a modern flat white in a new cafe, and then walk two minutes to find a local family selling delicious street food they've made for generations. (E - Example) So yes, while the city is changing, I think its core character is still there. (P - Point)"
Technique 1: Use 'Thinking Time' Phrases
Instead of a silent pause or "ummm," use a full phrase to signal that you are thinking. This keeps you connected to the listener and makes you sound more fluent.
- "That's a good/interesting/tough question."
- "Let me see..." / "Let me think about that for a moment."
- "Well, to be honest..."
- "It's funny you should ask that, because I was just thinking about it..."
- "Off the top of my head, I'd say..."
Technique 2: Structure Your Answer with the PREP Method
For impromptu4 opinion questions, having a simple structure in mind can help you organize your thoughts instantly. Try the PREP method:
- P - Point: State your main point or opinion.
- R - Reason: Give a clear reason for your point.
- E - Example: Provide a specific example to support your reason.
- P - Point: Restate your main point in a different way to conclude.
Common Hesitation Traps & How to Escape
Trap 1: Translating in your head. This is the biggest cause of slow speech.
Escape: Practice thinking directly in English. Start small. When you're on your moto, think "That's a big building," not "អាគារនោះធំណាស់" and then translating. Build the habit of direct thought.
Trap 2: Searching for the "perfect" word. You have a good vocabulary, but getting stuck on one word kills fluency.
Escape: Paraphrase! Use a simpler word or describe the word you can't find. Saying "the thing you use to clean your teeth" is more fluent than a 5-second pause trying to remember "toothbrush."
Practice Quiz: What's the Best Strategy?
Read the situation and choose the best response.
1. Your teacher asks, "What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning?" You need a moment to organize your thoughts. What is the best way to begin your answer?
A) Say "Ummmm..." and look at the ceiling.
B) Say nothing while you think of the perfect answer.
C) Say, "That's a really relevant question today. Let me see..."
→ Answer: C. This filler phrase5 is polite, acknowledges the question, and gives you valuable seconds to structure your thoughts.
2. You are using the PREP method to answer, "Do you think social media is good for society?" You have already stated your Point ("I think it has both good and bad sides") and your Reason ("because it connects people but can also spread misinformation"). What should you do next?
A) Give an example.
B) Repeat your reason.
C) State your point again.
→ Answer: A. After giving a reason, a specific example is the next logical step in the PREP method (e.g., "For instance, my family uses a group chat to stay connected...").
Your Mission: The Impromptu Challenge
Your mission is to practice thinking on your feet.
- Find a list of "ESL discussion questions" online. There are hundreds of free lists available.
- Choose one question randomly. For example, "Should plastic bags be banned?" or "What is one thing you would change about your city?"
- Set a timer for 60 seconds and record yourself on your phone answering the question immediately.
- Your Goal: Start with a "thinking time" phrase, try to use the PREP structure, and do not stop speaking until the timer ends. Don't worry about perfect grammar. The goal is to practice producing spontaneous, flowing speech. Do this once a day to build your confidence!
Vocabulary Glossary
- Spontaneity: (Noun) - ភាពឯកឯង - The quality of being natural and unplanned in movement or speech. ↩
- Coherence: (Noun) - ភាពស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា - The quality of being logical, consistent, and easy to understand. ↩
- Hesitation: (Noun) - ការស្ទាក់ស្ទើរ - A pause before or during speech. ↩
- Impromptu: (Adjective) - មិនបានគ្រោងទុក - Done without being planned or rehearsed. ↩
- Filler Phrase: (Noun Phrase) - ឃ្លាបំពេញចន្លោះ - A phrase used to cover a pause while a speaker thinks of what to say next. ↩