DEVELOPING AN IMPROMPTU SPEAKING ACTIVITY IN GENERAL ENGLISH COURSES IN ENGLISH NON-MAJOR CLASSROOMS

Impromptu speaking (talking about a topic in a few minutes’ time with little or no prior preparation) is probably one of the skills that poses numerous obstacles to a number of English language learners, especially nonmajors. Due to its nature, strong ability in impromptu speaking helps improve learners’ oral expression of thought, boost confidence in public speaking, enhance communication skills and develop their leadership skills. Despite its significant advantages, an activity that promotes impromptu speaking does not seem to be paid adequate attention to in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms. This article provides an overview of impromptu speaking skill and proposes a way of implementing the activity for English non-majors. Criteria on how to evaluate an impromptu speech are also shed light on in the article. Furthermore, based on learners’ difficulties in delivering an impromptu speech, several suggestions are made to the teachers when applying the activity in class.