TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Get the inside track on all things TOEFL® Speaking—from expert breakdowns of the test’s scoring rubrics to cutting-edge research on how AI like SpeechRater™ evaluates your performance.
Whether it's leveraging movie-based learning techniques or diving into the psychology behind language assessment, each episode gives you a front-row seat to the latest strategies, tips, and tools to help you master the Speaking section.
We don’t just stop at exam prep. We explore the bigger picture of how the TOEFL shapes language learning, how automated scoring impacts your results, and what really goes on behind the scenes at ETS. If you want to understand the nuances of TOEFL Speaking and learn how to make your test performance stand out, this podcast is for you.
This podcast is made possible through a blend of innovative AI solutions, including NotebookLM, ElevenLabs, ChatGPT, Suno, and Buzzsprout.
Visit My Speaking Score: https://www.myspeakingscore.com/
TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Boost Your TOEFL Speaking Scores with Logical Structure
Unlock the secrets to improving your TOEFL Speaking scores in this insightful episode! Coherence and organization are the keys to clear, impactful communication—whether you're preparing for the TOEFL or striving to master English fluency.
We dive into groundbreaking research that reveals the direct connection between coherence and comprehensibility, offering practical tips to structure your responses with confidence. Discover how tools like MySpeakingScore, powered by AI technology, provide personalized feedback to help you elevate your speaking skills.
From mastering logical flow to avoiding common pitfalls like overusing connectives, we’ll guide you through actionable strategies to make your speech clear, engaging, and impactful. Whether you’re a test-taker or a language enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights to level up your communication game.
Tune in to:
- Learn the importance of structure in TOEFL Speaking tasks.
- Explore how AI is revolutionizing test preparation.
- Get practical tips for making your speech coherent and comprehensible.
Ready to speak with confidence and precision? Let’s dive in!
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Okay, so get ready because today we are going to dive deep into how to speak coherently.
And you know, it’s something that’s often overlooked in language learning but is especially important in academic settings. Right, and particularly in high-stakes situations like the TOEFL exam.
Yeah, which is used globally for university admissions. Exactly. Like, you know how sometimes you can understand the words someone is saying, but it just doesn’t make sense overall?
It’s true. It’s like you have all the pieces of a puzzle but don’t know how they fit together. Exactly, and that’s a big problem when you’re learning a new language. Absolutely, and we’ve got some interesting new research that digs into this.
Right, from the Studies in Second Language Acquisition journal. They looked at 60 international students who did a TOEFL-style speaking assignment. Oh, wow!
Yeah, and they analyzed their responses for things like organizational elements and connecting words. Interesting. Then get this: 12 experienced English for Academic Purposes instructors rated these speeches for how coherent and comprehensible they were.
Okay, I see. So, they were really trying to identify what are those key ingredients that make a speech work? Exactly. So, what did they find? Well, the study found a very strong correlation between coherence and comprehensibility.
Almost half of the variance in comprehensibility scores could be explained by the coherence of the speech. That is a big deal! It means that learning how to organize your ideas and deliver them effectively is a major factor in being understood—especially for second-language learners.
Exactly, and especially on a test like the TOEFL, where you’re really under pressure. That’s right. So, it seems like there’s a real global challenge in improving TOEFL scores and making sure students everywhere have access to the right tools and strategies.
Absolutely. That’s a huge issue, and that’s where technology and AI are making a difference, leveling the playing field for students. So, are there specific tools that you think are really effective in this area?
Oh, yeah, there are. And one that comes to mind is MySpeakingScore, which is a TOEFL-speaking prep tool. It’s powered by this AI tech called SpeechRater, and it’s been used by over 100,000 students.
Wow, that’s a lot of students. It is, and it gives them personalized feedback on their speaking that goes way beyond just grammar and vocab. So, it’s like, it’s not just about knowing the right words, but it’s about using them effectively.
Exactly. It’s about connecting your ideas in a way that’s clear and engaging and makes your message come through. I see. So, it’s kind of like building a house.
Yeah, you know, you need the bricks, which are like the vocabulary. You need the mortar, which is the grammar. But you also need a solid foundation and a blueprint. Exactly—that’s coherence in action.
Right, and with a tool like MySpeakingScore, students basically have access to that blueprint. They do, and that’s super important for students who might not have access to traditional tutoring or those kinds of resources.
Let’s go back to the research for a second. What were some of the specific aspects of speech that stood out as particularly impactful for being understood? Well, they looked at a lot of different factors, but a few key things emerged.
One was the presence and logical order of essential structural elements—like having an intro, an explanation, giving examples, and a conclusion. Okay, so it’s like hitting those expected beats in a story.
Yes, exactly. When those components are there and they flow logically, it makes it so much easier for the listener to process. It’s like following a recipe—if you just throw all the ingredients in a bowl, it’s not going to turn out well.
Exactly. It’s got to be in the right order. Right. And another thing they looked at was the alignment between the student’s response and the source material they were given.
Yes, because this was a TOEFL-style task, right? So, they had to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then synthesize that information. It’s about showing that you’ve understood the material and can explain it clearly and accurately.
Precisely. That’s a key skill—not just for the TOEFL but for success in any academic setting. Being able to synthesize information and present it in a clear and coherent way is a valuable skill.
Absolutely. And as we’ve seen, these skills are directly relevant to the TOEFL, which plays such a big role in academic admissions worldwide. You mentioned earlier the global challenges in improving TOEFL scores. Do you think this research might shed some light on how to address those challenges better?
You know, I think it does. And there are a few key areas. One is access to quality test prep resources, which is a huge problem because not everyone can afford private tutors or expensive courses.
And that’s where these AI-powered tools like MySpeakingScore can really make a difference. They can because they make expert feedback and personalized learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection, which is amazing for learners in regions where those resources are limited.
Exactly. And another challenge is that TOEFL test takers come from so many different linguistic backgrounds, each with their own strengths and challenges when learning English.
This study shows how important it is to focus on coherence and organization, especially for learners whose first languages have different structures. Absolutely. It highlights that fluency and accuracy in English are not just about grammar and vocab but about clarity and organization.
And that’s when language learning becomes joyful and transformative—when you move beyond the mechanics and really tap into the expressive power of language. It’s about finding that sweet spot between clarity and creativity, structure and spontaneity.
And this connects back to AI and its role in education. Tools like MySpeakingScore can teach coherence fundamentals, especially for a test like the TOEFL. It’s like having a personal speech coach in your pocket, giving you feedback and strategies to improve.
But it’s also important to remember that technology is just a tool. True language mastery takes dedication, practice, and a genuine desire to connect with others. Technology can help facilitate that process, but it can’t replace the human element.
So, to all the language learners out there, embrace the tools, but don’t forget the heart. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep striving to make your message heard.
Beautifully said. This has been such an insightful deep dive into coherence, the power of AI in education, and the importance of finding your own voice. It has been a pleasure diving deep with you.
Before we wrap up this part of our deep dive, I want to bring it back to something you mentioned earlier about AI-powered tools like MySpeakingScore helping to level the playing field for TOEFL prep.
Yes, and that’s something I’m really passionate about. For so long, access to good test prep has been limited to people who can afford it, but AI is changing that. It’s making expert feedback and personalized guidance available to anyone with an internet connection.
Exactly, which is incredible for learners in areas where those options are limited or just too expensive. It’s not just about access, though, right? It’s also about the quality of feedback.
Absolutely. SpeechRater, which is the tech behind MySpeakingScore, can analyze a speaker’s performance on a level that even human tutors might miss. It can pick up those subtle nuances of coherence and comprehensibility, giving learners really specific actionable feedback.
So, it’s like having a personalized speech coach available 24/7. Yes, exactly—no matter where you are or what your financial situation is.
Right. And that kind of feedback is crucial for helping people develop the skills they need to succeed. Both on the TOEFL and in their academic journey.
As AI technology keeps getting better, we can expect to see even more innovative tools and resources for learners all over the world. It’s an exciting time to be a language learner.
It really is. Language is such an amazing tool. It lets us connect, create, and express ourselves in so many ways. And whether you’re getting ready for the TOEFL, writing an academic paper, or just trying to communicate better in everyday life, the biggest takeaway is this:
Embrace the journey. Experiment with different styles. Never stop exploring the power of language.
That’s beautiful. I love that. And on that note, it’s time to wrap up this episode. Thanks for joining us on this incredible journey. Until next time!
