Impromptu Speaking: The Overlooked Key to Individual Oral Success

At first, my preparation focused only on content. I practised speaking about my chosen texts for English A and memorised possible extracts for my Language B oral.

But during the Q&A section of a mock oral, I realised something important: I wasn’t ready for the unexpected.

The questions pushed me beyond rehearsed responses. I needed to think, structure answers, and speak clearly—on the spot. That’s when I discovered the method that helped me most: impromptu speaking.

Why Impromptu Speaking Works

Impromptu speaking means responding without preparation. While that sounds intimidating, it mirrors exactly what happens in the discussion portion of the IO.

Practising impromptu speaking trains you to:

• Organise thoughts quickly
• Adapt to unfamiliar questions
• Maintain fluency under pressure
• Recover calmly from mistakes

Surprisingly, many students don’t practise this skill directly. Most prepare only what they can predict and hope their existing skills carry them through the rest.

But IO success depends on how well you handle what you can’t predict.

Practical Ways to Practise Impromptu Speaking

1. Question-and-Answer Practice

This is the most direct method.

Generate possible discussion questions related to your IO themes or works and practise answering them without notes. Time yourself for 1–2 minutes per response. This prepares you specifically for the discussion portion of the exam.

If you want something more unpredictable, use general debate or discussion prompts and speak about them briefly. This is especially helpful for Language B SL or ab initio students, where topics can be broad.

2. Make It Fun (and Slightly Ridiculous)

One of the most effective techniques I used involved turning nerves into humour.

Before my Language B HL oral, I explained dance moves to my friends—in formal language. It was awkward, ridiculous, and unexpectedly effective. The absurdity helped me relax, while the formality trained my brain to stay in the correct register.

You don’t have to teach dance. Other ideas include:

• Explaining a game, recipe, or routine formally
• Translating song lyrics on the spot
• Describing everyday actions in academic language

When you’re relaxed, fluency improves.

3. Turn Formal Speech into a Habit

In the days leading up to the oral, my friends and I spoke only formal language to each other whenever possible—during class discussions, group work, and even breaks.

It was awkward at first, but repetition worked. What initially felt unnatural slowly became automatic. When something becomes habitual, it becomes easier—and confidence follows.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Unknown

You may not know which visual stimulus, discussion question, or follow-up prompt your teacher will use—but you can prepare the skills needed to handle all of them.

Strong IO performance comes from:

• Comfort with spontaneous speaking
• Control of formal register
• Confidence in adapting your ideas in real time

By practising impromptu speaking through questions, playful activities, and daily habits, you transform anxiety into assurance.

Use the resources your teacher provides, revisit subject guides, and practise consistently—but most importantly, trust yourself. You’re more capable than you think.

Good luck—you’ve got this.