Topic Talk is structured speaking practice focused on a specific subject, but with multiple attempts. Unlike casual conversation or even a single monologue where you talk about whatever comes up, Topic Talk deliberately targets areas where you want to build vocabulary and fluency.
How It Works
Choose a topic or piece of media. It can be anything: your job, a news story, a hobby, a hypothetical scenario, an abstract concept. Then set a timer and speak about it for 5 minutes, on your own. If you get stuck, look up words!
Then, the following day, repeat that exact same topic. Set another timer for 5 minutes and do the talk again.
Do this day after day, using fewer lookups and tools, until you feel confident about the 5 minutes of speaking.
When It's Useful
Topic Talk is especially valuable in:
- Phase 4X (Situational Speaking): Practicing specific real-life scenarios
- Phase 5 (Accuracy): Discussing complex topics to practice using grammar and vocabulary correctly
- Phase 6 (Fluency): Targeting vocabulary gaps in specific domains and general fluidity
Tips
- Prepare a few key words or phrases related to the topic before the conversation
- Don't avoid topics because they're hard — that's where the growth happens
- You can do a version of this with a tutor by scheduling several short lessons each day of the week with a brand new tutor each day