What are some speaking activities for ESL programs?

Speaking activities for ESL programs include interviewing, debating, role playing and playing games. Students can also be assigned a grammar or cultural point to teach each other, which helps them practice speaking.

Most speaking activities require pair work to allow the students more time to speak. In pairs, students can interview each other on different topics, such as hobbies or family. Role playing is a fun and versatile activity where students pretend to be a journalist and a celebrity, or a shop keeper and a customer. Games such as 20 questions or the Yes, No game (a game where students have to have a conversation without saying yes or no) are also great ways to get students talking.