While you may be marked down by the examiner if you hesitate too often, there's nothing wrong with speaking a bit more slowly and carefully.
In my experience, many students speak too quickly and this causes several problems. If you speak too quickly, you're more likely to make grammar and pronunciation mistakes, and you'll probably lose clarity and coherence. If you slow down, you'll have more time to think, to pronounce words clearly, and to correct yourself if necessary.
One more tip: Have you ever practised pronouncing words very very slowly? For example, can you pronounce every individual vowel and consonant sound in the word "slowly" (s...l...ow...l...y)? I've tried this with students and they are not usually very good at it - they find it easier to rush the pronunciation of words. Native speaker children, on the other hand, love pronouncing slowly and do it very well, so maybe it's something that adult language learners should practise more!
Yes sir.
Posted by: Pachu | June 14, 2019 at 16:22
Hi Simon,
I have a quick question. Does that contradict to imitating native speakers' accents? Native users tend to speak at a define speed and often say some words unclear but naturally. Isn't it something we should copy?
Posted by: Norvin | June 14, 2019 at 16:47
Don’t run before you can walk Norvin!
Also, we might speak quickly when chatting, but most native speakers slow down when delivering presentations or in interview situations.
Posted by: Simon | June 14, 2019 at 17:13
Mr Simon
Couldn't agree more. Often an issue for native Cantonese speakers. Also practicing things like replying "Oh, really!", "Oh, really?", "Oh, really." and "Oh I see!" vs "Oh, I see." with rising, rise-fall, and falling intonations giving different meanings.
Posted by: Oleg | June 15, 2019 at 01:50
It's a very helpful clarification. Thank you very much, Simon.
Posted by: Suzy | June 15, 2019 at 01:57
Yes, sir, if you speaks fast it show they are confident and convenient with the language. Also used the language for long long time.
Posted by: Pachu | June 15, 2019 at 03:51
Hi Oleg,
Oh, I see! Cantonese speaker! ahhaaa..
Posted by: Betty | June 15, 2019 at 09:50
Betty
There are known issues for various types of English learners. Here is an explanation for Cantonese speakers:
http://englishspeaklikenative.com/resources/common-pronunciation-problems/chinese-pronunciation-problems/
Posted by: Oleg | June 15, 2019 at 10:29
Thank you Simon,I've started to practise my pronunciation by blending sounds since last year. I found it useful and also helps to improve my listening.It's easier to begin with simple keywords- just a word with one syllable then add up to 2 and 3 or more.Your tips are always practical :-)
Posted by: Oley | June 15, 2019 at 13:42
sir after seeing so many comments I again want to add more.speaking fast creates lot of problems in every element of language such as grammar, pronunciation.so maintaining at normal speed is ok .But speaking slowly also is not good as it lowers the fluency , it doesn't contain any features of language such as rhythm, intonation.Also, speaking slowly means candidate is killing the time and mainly examiner notices all type of error easily like articles.However, when speaking quickly, examiner might not be noticing such type of errors that non native speakers make during the test.
Posted by: Pachu | June 15, 2019 at 16:56
Pachu
Speaking slowly instead of rushing does not mean that you necessarily lose rhythm and intonation. On the contrary, it will enable you to practice them.
Examiners are not idiots: they are listening for the use of articles whatever your speed.
Fluency is not about speed at all, which is not mentioned anywhere in the speaking criteria. Trying to gabble your way through the exam is a sure path to failure.
The criteria for Band 7 fluency and coherence (=25% of score) are:
1) speaks at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence; [NOTHING about speed here!]
2) may demonstrate language-related hesitation at times, or some repetition and/or self-correction; [The odd pause or correction will NOT disbar you from Band 7]
3) uses a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility.
PS Pachu, please fix your punctuation when posting comments.
Posted by: Beyonce | June 15, 2019 at 20:20
Ok thank you Beyoncé.I will definitely do that.
Posted by: Pachu | June 15, 2019 at 23:01
Beyonce,
I thought your ideas, there are no bar to speak fast neither, so I talk fast that means I can that way also?
Posted by: Pachu | June 16, 2019 at 05:40
Pachu
1) Band 8 states "develops topics coherently": this means you are demonstrably able to make your point clearly. Trying to speak fast may tend to undermine this.
2) Band 7: states: "frequently produces error-free sentences, though some grammatical mistakes persist". An examiner would need to be sure your grammar is at the required level. Trying to speak fast might mean an examiner is not able to verify your true level.
To achieve a good result speak clearly and make your point clearly. Focus on that, not speed of delivery.
The idea that a better result can be achieved by speaking fast is erroneous.
Posted by: Beyonce | June 16, 2019 at 07:38
Thank you for advice and giving so much information for awareness.
Posted by: Pachu | June 17, 2019 at 13:11