Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B2 - Lesson 5: Sustaining Monologues
Welcome to our final lesson! A key skill that demonstrates true fluency is the ability to sustain1 a monologue2—speaking at length on a topic for 1-2 minutes. This is common in exams like IELTS and in professional presentations. The biggest challenges are running out of ideas and losing your structure. Today, we'll learn a powerful strategy to plan and deliver a long, coherent3 talk.
Step 1: The 1-Minute Plan (The 5 Ws Mind Map)
You can't talk for two minutes without a plan. The best way to generate ideas quickly is to create a simple mind map4 based on classic questions. Before you speak, take 60 seconds to note down keywords for each.
The 5 Ws Planning Framework:
Topic Example: "Describe a memorable journey."
- WHAT was the journey?
- Keywords: Moto trip through the countryside.
- WHERE did you go?
- Keywords: From Phnom Penh to Kampot.
- WHEN did it happen?
- Keywords: Last dry season, around January.
- WHO were you with?
- Keywords: My two close friends, Dara and Vichea.
- WHY was it memorable?
- Keywords: Unexpected rainstorm, beautiful green rice fields, feeling of freedom/adventure.
Step 2: Structuring Your Monologue
Now, use your mind map to structure your talk with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Beginning (Introduction): Start by introducing the topic. Use your 'What', 'Where', and 'When' notes.
"I'd like to talk about a really memorable journey I took last January. My two friends and I decided to travel from Phnom Penh to Kampot by motorbike." - Middle (The Details): This is the longest part. Describe what happened in sequence. Use your 'Who' and 'What' notes. Use discourse markers to connect ideas.
"I was with my close friends, Dara and Vichea. At first, the weather was perfect... Then, after about two hours, the sky suddenly turned dark... We had to find shelter in a small village..." - End (The Reflection): Explain why the experience was important or memorable. Use your 'Why' notes to conclude.
"So, the reason that journey was so memorable for me was not just the beautiful scenery, but the feeling of adventure. Dealing with the unexpected rainstorm together made our friendship stronger. Overall, it was an experience I'll never forget."
Keeping the Flow: What to Do If You Get Stuck
Even with a plan, you might have a mental block. Here's how to keep talking:
1. Paraphrase Yourself: If you can't think of the next idea, repeat your last idea using different words. "The view was amazing. In other words, I'd never seen scenery so breathtaking." This buys you a few seconds to think.
2. Describe Your Feelings: If you run out of actions, describe your emotions at that moment. "I felt a little bit nervous when the rain started," or "I was so happy just to be on the road with my friends."
3. Use a "Thinking" Phrase: It's okay to use a filler phrase like, "Let me see, what else can I tell you about that... Oh yes, I remember..." This is more fluent than a long, silent pause.
Practice Quiz: Plan Your Monologue
Topic: "Describe a favorite teacher you had."
You are making a 5 Ws mind map. Which of these keywords best answers the "WHY" question (Why were they your favorite)?
A) He taught me English in Grade 10 at Bak Touk High School.
B) He was very patient and always made his lessons fun and interesting.
C) I was in his class with my friend, Neary.
→ Answer: B. This explains the *reason* for your feeling. Answer A covers 'What', 'When' and 'Where'. Answer C covers 'Who'.
Your Mission: The 2-Minute Challenge
Your mission is to put everything together and deliver a full monologue. This is excellent practice for exams like IELTS Speaking Part 2.
- Choose a topic. For example: "Describe a website you use often," or "Describe a time you learned a new skill."
- Set a timer for 1 minute and create your 5 Ws mind map on paper. Don't write full sentences, just keywords.
- Then, set a timer for 2 minutes and record yourself speaking. Use your mind map as your guide. Try to follow the Beginning-Middle-End structure.
- Don't stop until the timer rings! If you get stuck, use the strategies from the "Keeping the Flow" section.
- Listen back. Was your structure clear? Did you speak for the full two minutes? The more you practice this whole process, the easier and more natural it will become.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Sustain: (Verb) - រក្សា - To cause or allow something to continue for an extended period. ↩
- Monologue: (Noun) - ឯកកថា - A long speech by one person. ↩
- Coherent: (Adjective) - ដែលស៊ីសង្វាក់គ្នា - Logical and consistent, with all parts connecting well. ↩
- Mind Map: (Noun) - ផែនទីគំនិត - A diagram for visually organizing information around a central concept. ↩
- Framework: (Noun) - ក្របខ័ណ្ឌ - A basic structure that underlies a system or concept. ↩