How to start and run an English Speaking club effectively

[one_second] Starting an English Speaking club (or an English conversation circle) is one of the best ways to improve Spoken English. English clubs allow English language learners to practice speaking in an informal, relaxed environment. English speaking clubs primarily help participants improve 2 skills – speaking and listening. If you are looking to be more fluent in English and gain confidence, an English Speaking club is a great place to start practicing. Today we would like to share some ideas on how to start and run an English Speaking club effectively.

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Limit the English Speaking club to 10 people or less

Don’t make the English Speaking Club too big. The goal is to give everyone opportunities to speak regularly and you can’t do that if the group is too big. Also, some English learners could be a little shy to make mistakes in front of a large group so having a small group helps to get everyone to speak up.

Meet for 1-2 hours, at least 3 times a week

Improving English speaking is all about practice. The more time you can spend everyday speaking in English, the faster you will improve. Make sure your Spoken English group meets regularly and practice for a couple of hours. Some members will find it harder to commit to this than others, so be ready for a few empty seats once in a while.

Have a facilitator or conversation leader for the English Speaking club

Just like with most other group endeavors, your English conversation circle will need a leader or a facilitator. This position can change for each meeting and will probably work better if it does. The conversation leader’s main responsibility is to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak. Also, the conversation leader could be the first to start talking. In some instances, it might make sense to get the conversation leader to suggest a topic for discussion but a better approach is to have a list of topics already selected.

Pick topics based on the skill level of the group

Start will simple topics but be prepared to explore in to more advanced topics. Movies and weather are good but if the group members are at a more intermediate level and trying to be advanced English speakers, be open to discussing more advanced topics like the world energy crisis or whether abortion should be made legal. And usually, when you start practicing at a more advanced level, the beginner level learners work harder and naturally benefit more.

Use English at the English Speaking club

This is no negotiable. It is easy and only natural to go back to your native language. In almost every conversation club, this happens. Be prepared to interject and bring the discussion back to English. Remember, the whole point of forming an English Speaking club is to practice English speaking, and you should make sure the group does not loose sight of this.