IELTS Speaking

Face the IELTS Speaking exam with confidence!

Speaking classes with Skype

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FAQs >>

Have you got any tips for teachers using Skype for Speaking classes?

iStock_000002932862XSmall_headsetIn this post I’m pleased to be able to feature an excellent, practical guide for teachers who are keen to use Skype for Speaking practice. And what’s more, you’ve got the perfect person to offer this advice: Tish Kirkland of Yes-IELTS.com who runs regular classes through Skype.

Before you start

  • Make sure you have Skype installed. It’s free and available from www.skype.com
  • Be aware of each other’s time zones. I’m in Brisbane, Australia, and Brisbane doesn’t change for daylight saving, which can be a problem if students think Brisbane is always in the same time zone as Sydney and Melbourne. Be particularly vigilant in March and October, when daylight saving time changes.
  • I recommend keeping all other communication via email, not Skype. It’s easier to track emails than Skype chats.
  • Set up your lesson times with the other person. I usually do lessons in batches of three and book in advance.

Before the lesson

  • If you are not using a headset (earphones and a microphone), work in a quiet room where you are not going to be interrupted
  • Have your recording software, if you are using it, set up. Also open any word documents that you may use during the lesson.

During the lesson

  • Start on time
  • After your call has started, select “Do Not Disturb” while you are having a lesson. That way, you cannot be interrupted by incoming calls or messages. You will have to change to “online” to make a call or if the call gets dropped and you have to call again.
  • Make sure other computer alerts are turned to silent (but don’t mute the computer).
  • Use your computer’s recording software or download a suitable program. I use Garageband, but I have heard that Audacity is also good.
  • If the quality of the call isn’t great, hang up and try again.

The lesson

This is my usual lesson format:

  • Complete and record a full IELTS Speaking Test (15 minutes)
  • Listen to the whole test and make a note of mistakes, correcting these mistakes as you listen. I type into the message “chat” box underneath the picture/video. Write the error, and if time, also the correction. That way the student can see what their mistake was. Try to write full or partial sentences, for context. (15 minutes)
  • Go through the corrections with the student, asking for clarification and making sure that any pronunciation issues are addressed. Ask the student to read the corrections out loud and repeat pronunciation. (10 minutes) Give bandscore and, if necessary, some tips and hints for future study (5 minutes)

Additional tips

General

  • Be ready on time
  • Have a pen and paper ready to take notes of timings for the test. I usually use the recording software’s timer to keep a track of this.

Set-up

  • Accounts: Some people may prefer a separate account for teaching, but I used Skype regularly for contacting friends and family and don’t want the hassle of switching accounts, so I just use my regular Skype account.
  • Contacts: I “star” my current students so that I can easily see in the sidebar if they are online.
  • Appearance: Be aware that Skype looks different on different computers, e.g. it looks slightly different on a Mac than on a PC
  • Picture: Use your picture or add your company logo to your picture. If the video isn’t working, it’s nicer to talk to a picture of a person than a logo.
  • Video: If you are using video, check your backdrop and what is inside your screen frame before you use your video. Check by using Skype > Preferences > Audio/Video.
  • Time & Date: Put a link to a time and date meeting scheduler in your profile. I use timeanddate.com and put it under “mood”.
  • Scheduling: Book ahead. I send an email with my advance availability for 3 weeks. The student chooses 3 sessions, and then I email back to confirm. I use my iCal to invite students to the “meeting”, which acts as a reminder for them and for me.
  • Don’t schedule lessons back-to-back. Leave at least 15 minutes between lessons for administration, coffee break, toilet break.
  • Contingency: Have a backup plan. If Skype doesn’t work, then be flexible about changing the date/time or using Skype to ring the student’s mobile phone or landline (you’ll need credit for this).
  • Use Skype’s message history to read previous corrections and feedback / keep a record.

Picture 3 Skype IELTS Speaking Message History (2)

Teaching

  • Make sure the student can see the message area (“chat” box). If not, tell them to hover the mouse under the video picture of you until they see the speech bubble.
  • When correcting, I usually correct for the student as I listen to the recording, rather than asking them to make the correction, as they may not be aware of their mistakes. This varies depending on the level of the student and the frequency of the errors.
  • Use screen-share to illustrate where something is, if you are giving instructions
  • I find that turning to video off sometimes helps with the quality of the call.
  • Have the Part 2 “card” in a word document and copy and paste it into the chat box as necessary. (see Picture 1)
  • A 45-minute lesson is usually long enough for speaking, as speaking takes a lot of energy.
  • Remember to make a note of good things the student does as well, not just the errors.
  • For corrections, I usually write error –> correction (See Picture 1 below)
  • Keep an eye on the time.
  • Save the recording for future reference. For easy reference, I save it with the name of the student, the date and (if I remember) the topic of Part 2.
  • Use Skype’s message history to review earlier lessons. (see Picture 2 below)
Picture 1

Picture 1. Click to enlarge.

Picture 1

Picture 1. Click to enlarge.

 

You can find out more about the teaching services Tish offers at Yes-IELTS.com

If you’d like to contribute an article for students or teachers working towards the IELTS Speaking exam please get in touch.

Comments

  1. Hi my name is Mohammed Ali my Skype is fattom151 I must acknowledge you seem like a professional and I would love to work with you , I still have a month for my exam hope you will replay to me rapidly

  3. Hi Friends. I am preparing for IELTS exam and looking for english speaking partner. my skype id is networkramesh

  4. Hello , I am a teacher , I am planning to take an IELTS degree band 8 , so i need to improve my speaking and listening by talking with English , and help you make progress in English too
    Thanks .
    Feel free to contact with me
    My skype ID :
    live:golddream2017

  5. Guys,

    I’ve got a 7 band for speaking in my previous exam and I am targetting for atleast[b] 7.5 – 8[/b] now I have booked my date on [b]20 August 2016[/b] .
    PLease message me to my whatsapp number [b]+919526590097[/b] if anybody is seriously looking for a[b] 7+ band[/b] and interested to be my speaking partner.

    Thanks
    Anoop

  6. I want IELTS 6 in speaking and was preparing for immigration(PR) purpose. Please mail details to me

  7. Hello, I am going to face IELTS exam this August. Any can join with me for practicing any time. MY viber & wats up number is (+8801881449215) and skype (eng.barenbscme@gmail.com).

  9. my Skype is ahmedjasim1984 and i need any one who would help me improving my speaking.

  11. Hi! I’m Ali – 28 years old. I will take IELTS exam in two months and I took a mock test recently which I got 7 for the speaking module.I aim for 7.5 so if anyone interested in getting similar scores message me on skype: Ali.saadat81
    I’m from Iran (UTC+3:30+1 (day time saving) and flexible timing for the practice is possible. Plus punctuality is really important to me! I’m ok with all nationalities but the speaking level is important and also your age. Thanks

  12. i am preparing myself for ielts again,my speaking is 6.5 and i want to communicate with another person to improve my bandscore,please feel free to contact me,my skype is toloo 110.

  13. Hi Guys, I am from Bangladesh (male) looking for speaking partner . My skype id is smile01917 and I am available on skype at any time from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM

  15. Hi Guys, I am from India (male) looking for speaking partner as my exam speaking exam is on 2nd June. My skype id is agrawals1984 and I am available on skype at any time from 7:00 AM IST to 11:00 PM IST on 28,29 May 2016.

  16. Hi
    My name is Mona from Iran (F/27)
    I am interested in speaking English with someone who has perfect accent.
    My score was approximately 6.5 a few months ago…but I need a partner to improve my speaking.

    skype:
    mona_girl_1989

  17. My name is Nina. I am a Lecturer and a jurisconsult (on a volunteer basis). Currently I am living in Kyiv, Ukraine.

    I am writing you to find out, is it possible to practice speaking via Skype? I hope we will cooperate constructively in order to pursue our goals and mutual development.

    My goal is 7,5 ( Academic IELTS). Skype ID “ninylkaya”.

  18. Hi guys.my exam is really nearby and im looking for partner for ielts exam my exam will be in 19 may plus my aim is 7 skype Id :sina.ses

  19. hi, I am Naser for IELTS speaking practice , my exam is very nearby
    SKYPE: naser.buet

  20. I will take the IELTS on May21
    I need serious partner for speaking.
    feel free to add me on skype : re.parvizi

  21. Hi all, I want to practice speaking for IELLTS test. My skype id :lachuman.sharma, time +6:30 and target of the score 7-8.

  22. Hello, my name is Nejuma. I am an IELTS Candidate. I am having my exam in the coming month. could you please help? my Skype account is nejumab

  23. From dubai.i am a beginner.my skype account is. tom.pattery.
    I want to crack ielts

  25. I’m From Melbourne Australia … need IELTS for immigration P.
    what’s app: +61 424 250 786
    skype: Sahar.ali782

  26. Hi, I’m Ratul from Bangladesh. I will sit for IELTS exam at 19 March, 2016. Looking for partner. My expectation: 7.0+

  27. hi guys i am looking for an ielts speaking partner i want to get 6.5 my skype account is Adiu93

  29. Hello people, this is Sam, I’m an Engineering student, 20, Male from Mumbai, Maharashtra. I’m an intermediate IELTS candidate, I’m going to give the test soon, I’m looking for a speaking partner, he or she must be interested in Speaking (regarding IELTS only), thanks in advance, my skype id is sam.devilz19

    Cheers!!

  30. MY name is Rizwan and want to improve my english.I am going for Ielts on 20 february.Kindly if anyone want to guide me he/she can contact with me. Anyone want to speak with me i would be very thankful to him/her.My skype Id is malik.rizwan7771 and my emali id is rizwan.345awan@gmail.com.I am from Pakistan and my time zone is +5 .I can manage the time

  31. Hi guys my name is Happy raj and I’m looking for fluent English speaking partner and my Skype name is h4happyraj

  33. Hi, hi everyone I want to learn English for ilets . I am good in reading English but not speak very well and not create too much words and ideas please add me on skype

  34. Hi,
    My name is sushil and i got band 6.5 in last exam. Now i am aiming for band 7.5 for upcoming exam in February .
    Need a partner to practice
    Skype id – sushil.narwde

  37. Good day!
    Respected ones, i’m facing some issues in fluency and coherence, as well. Anyone here who seriously wants to practice please join me at Skype.
    Skype ID: malikzadasarmad

  38. Hello guys. I’m looking for someone who is willing to spend some time to help me improve my speaking skill. I dont mind whether you’re native speaker or not. However, i need someone who has experienced the ielts speaking test. I’m aiming band 7. Add me on skype : FaithMovesMountain

  39. I’m ready to prepare IELTS..
    If someone can help me to improve my skills, it will be an honour…
    Skype: saga_live

  40. This is davud. I’m preparing myself for IELTS exam for the next 3 months. My skype ID: davood.alee

  44. Hi, I have seen your comment on a website for IELTS speaking. I’m looking for an IELTS speaking partner.

    Name: Haseeb
    Current Score for Speaking: 6.5
    Target Score for Speaking: 7+
    Exam: 31st Oct
    Skype: wish.silent
    Country: Pakistan (+5:00) GMT

    Time flexible. It would be great if the partner is almost in the same level and going to take one around the mid Oct. Thanks so much! The purpose would be sole IELTS preparation

    Feel free to contact.

  46. Add me by Skype: enriquegmejia My exam is 10th October, if someone is interesting just add me please

  50. Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    My exam is on september 12. Now preparing for speaking. Last Exam I got only 6 in speaking. But i need more. Anyone can help me through Skype or other way. My Skype ID is deepuksasi89

  51. Hello my name is majd and I would like to participate in this course to improve my speaking English . Thanks

  52. I am going to take ielts on 12 september 15. I need a speaking partner both male and female.
    My target band is 6.5
    skype id : mohsin.ali2006

  53. hello everyone,i’m Nasrullah khan and have require a person who can help me to make my english perfect because any language can be improve easily by speaking with one another so it’ll be best for you and me too.my skype id is “nasrullahkhan65”

  56. Hello everybody! I really need a help. I’m very nervous to speak. So, I have to find a partner to practise IELTS speaking! Please, call me? Who can check and evaluate my speaking?

  57. hello every body i need some friend i like hang out ielts prrepare with friend so plz sendd me request ch.staar2

  58. Hi everybody
    Pls add me too , I really need to improve my speaking skills
    My Skype ID: alibek-nx

  59. Hi friends,I need a speaking partner for IELTS preparation. Please add me on skype, karthik.s23.

  60. I going to write IELTS exam. I am feeling nervous about speaking module. So I need a partner to practice speaking module. My skype id is
    Saman.farooqui6

  62. I going to write IELTS exam. I am feeling nervous about speaking module. So I need a partner to practice speaking module. My skype id is
    abrao115

  63. SKYPE ID (IMRANCHAND11)
    dEaR fRiEnDZzZzZz………
    I have to appear in IELTS exam for this i need practice specially in speaking module so plz join me as soon as possible.

  64. I am taking IELTS exam in next few days. I need a speaking partner. My Skype: goodb0
    Please feel free to contact me anytime.

  65. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself of you. my name is Rahila and I have been teaching for IELTS over 10 years I am very excited about the collaboration between this group and ourselves and as I have spent over 1 year writing material specially designed online teaching of IELTS. I am looking forward to launching this course in such a way that it is affordable, but also helpful in your progress through learning English and passing the exam . Meanwhile have good a day and practice English every day to be successful my skype id rahila.rahatova

  66. taking ielts in 2 weeks…. i need a speaking partner. my skype
    id: haroonsaaed1

  67. I am reallay eager to improve english. please feel free to contact me if you wanna improve English.

    My skype id : god1954

    hope we can improve our english together 😀

  68. My skype ID: christinavo123
    I’m from Vietnam. I need a person to speak English. If u wanna talk to me, it’s my honor <3.
    I'm free from 9pm to 12pm in Vietnam time zone is 7am 🙂

  70. i need to practice english. so i need a partner. plz help me. my target score in 7.

  73. This month I’m going to IELTS exam on 20th September. I need a friend for speaking practice. I’m Skype: najmul.hassanbd

  74. i’m abdul and i need speaking partner for practice my skype is abdulwaheed112ml if you interested so add me i’m waiting for partner

  75. Hi,
    My name is Parviz. I need an IELTS preparation and the most
    I need a speaking teacher on skype

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