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)
Fluency, Confidence, and Humility: The Winning TOEFL Speaking Formula
Unlock the surprising connection between intellectual humility and success in TOEFL Speaking! In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research that reveals how traits like thoughtful communication, openness to feedback, and respect for others’ perspectives can boost your speaking scores.
Learn why overconfidence can backfire, how active listening and engagement make a difference, and how tools like MySpeakingScore are revolutionizing test prep with personalized AI feedback. Whether you’re navigating tricky integrated tasks or seeking a calmer, more focused approach, this episode offers strategies to help you shine under pressure.
Join us for insights that go beyond test-taking, helping you grow as a communicator and ace the TOEFL Speaking section.
Source
Free TOEFL Speaking practice:
Free resources:
Social:
My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.
Okay, so let's dive into some research today that might just change how you think about acing the TOEFL Speaking section. Sounds interesting—I’m all ears.
(0:32 - 0:47)
You know how we always talk about practicing pronunciation and boosting vocabulary for the TOEFL? Right, right. Well, it turns out there’s this fascinating study that links intellectual humility to speaking scores. And hold on—it’s not just about being nice.
(0:47 - 0:56)
Oh, there’s got to be more to it than that. Way more nuanced, trust me. This study was done at the University of Utah with 60 non-native English speakers.
(0:56 - 1:02)
Okay, got it. They had the students engage in paired discussions about social media, debating different viewpoints and ideas. Makes sense.
(1:02 - 1:13)
Social media is always good for a lively debate. Exactly. Then, their speaking skills were rated by experts who looked at fluency, interaction, pronunciation, grammar—the whole shebang.
(1:13 - 1:25)
So, like a real TOEFL speaking test scenario? Exactly. And get this: the researchers also measured the students’ intellectual humility using an established scale with four key components.
(1:25 - 1:28)
Four components? Okay, I’m in. Lay it on me.
(1:28 - 1:33)
Alright. First, how independent your intellect is from your ego. Interesting.
(1:34 - 1:41)
So, like being able to separate your ideas from your sense of self? Exactly. Then, how open you are to changing your mind based on new evidence.
(1:42 - 1:44)
Makes sense. Being flexible is important. Absolutely.
(1:44 - 1:52)
Third, how much you respect other people’s viewpoints, even if you totally disagree. Ah, the art of respectful disagreement. That’s crucial.
(1:52 - 2:00)
Couldn’t agree more. Finally, how intellectually overconfident—or not—you are. Now that one throws me for a loop.
(2:01 - 2:12)
How can not being confident be a good thing? Right, it seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Like, wouldn’t you want to be super confident going into a speaking test? You’d think so, but here’s where it gets interesting.
(2:13 - 2:26)
What did they find? Well, they discovered that being less overconfident actually correlated with better speaking scores. Wait—so the students who were a bit more humble about their abilities actually did better? It seems that way.
(2:26 - 2:42)
Okay, break it down for me. How does being less sure of yourself lead to better speaking? Well, imagine you’re overly confident during a TOEFL task. You might rush through your answers, fail to listen carefully, or even come across as arrogant.
(2:42 - 2:48)
Oh, I see. It’s like you’re so focused on proving yourself that you forget to communicate effectively. Exactly.
(2:48 - 3:03)
And all of that can hurt your score. But on the flip side, if you’re a bit more humble, you’re more likely to listen carefully, consider different perspectives, and choose your words thoughtfully. That kind of thoughtfulness shines through in your speaking.
(3:04 - 3:13)
You come across as more articulate, thoughtful, and impressive to the raters. This is blowing my mind.
(3:14 - 3:23)
I never would’ve thought that being less overconfident could actually be an advantage. Right. It’s one of those counterintuitive findings that challenges how we think about communication and learning.
(3:23 - 3:36)
And it makes me wonder if this applies beyond test-taking. Could cultivating intellectual humility help us become better communicators in all areas of life? Definitely something to think about.
(3:37 - 3:48)
But first, let’s unpack some other fascinating findings from this study—like the link between respecting others’ viewpoints and higher speaking scores. That one really stood out to me.
(3:48 - 4:04)
Tell me more about that. The study found a strong correlation between scoring high on respect for others’ opinions and better overall speaking skills. It makes sense, especially in TOEFL debates where you need to present your arguments but also acknowledge the other side.
(4:04 - 4:10)
Right. You can’t just steamroll over your partner. You have to show you’ve considered their perspective, even if you disagree.
(4:10 - 4:22)
So intellectual humility helps you navigate tricky conversations more effectively. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about using language carefully, controlling your tone, and finding ways to minimize conflict.
(4:23 - 4:40)
That creates a positive impression. How you say something matters as much as what you say. Exactly.
(4:41 - 4:45)
But there was one finding that threw me for a loop: being too open to changing your mind during a debate actually led to lower scores in some areas.
(4:45 - 5:10)
Wait, what? That doesn’t sound very intellectually humble. I know—it’s confusing at first. But think about the context. The students were asked to defend their position on a social media topic. If they changed their mind too easily, they might’ve run out of things to say.
(5:10 - 5:18)
Ah, I see. So in that context, being too flexible might’ve hurt fluency or content. Exactly. The context matters.
(5:19 - 5:32)
That’s so fascinating. It shows how intellectual humility is situational. Some traits, like openness, can manifest differently depending on the task. So what’s the takeaway for TOEFL students?
(5:33 - 5:50)
It’s about balance. Be open and thoughtful, but don’t overcorrect. Maintain confidence in your ideas while staying receptive to feedback. Tools like MySpeakingScore can help develop that balance by providing insights into how you’re doing.
(5:51 - 6:00)
Right. Practice, feedback, and humility—all together, they can really elevate your TOEFL prep. And that’s what we’re here for: to unlock those strategies for success.
(6:01 - 6:16)
So, how does all of this research apply to TOEFL Speaking preparation? That’s what we’re really here to discuss. It’s about connecting intellectual humility to strategies that help you ace the test.
(6:17 - 6:29)
Think about the TOEFL Speaking tasks. You’ve got to give your opinion, back up your arguments, and sometimes engage with different viewpoints. It’s not just about confidence—it’s about striking the right balance.
(6:30 - 6:44)
Right. If you’re overly confident, you might rush or miss key points. But if you’re too hesitant or easily swayed, you might lose focus. Intellectual humility is the key to finding that middle ground.
(6:45 - 6:57)
And it’s not just about showing off your fancy vocabulary or speaking quickly. It’s about slowing down, being thoughtful, and ensuring that what you say is clear, articulate, and well-organized.
(6:58 - 7:07)
Exactly. It’s also about staying calm under pressure. Humility can help you feel less stressed because you’re not focused on being perfect—you’re focused on communicating effectively.
(7:08 - 7:23)
And respecting others’ viewpoints? That’s a game-changer for tasks where you have to respond to an argument. Acknowledging other perspectives can make your responses more nuanced and thoughtful.
(7:24 - 7:40)
It shows that you’re not just reciting memorized phrases but actually engaging with the topic. That’s what TOEFL raters want to see—they’re looking for real communication skills, not just scripted answers.
(7:41 - 7:54)
So, intellectual humility is like a hidden skill that makes you a better listener, a more thoughtful speaker, and someone who can adapt to challenges. And that’s exactly what the TOEFL Speaking section is all about.
(7:55 - 8:10)
But let’s be real—developing intellectual humility isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. The good news is, there are tools to help you build it.
(8:11 - 8:22)
One of the best tools for this is MySpeakingScore. It uses SpeechRater AI to analyze your responses and give you targeted feedback on pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and organization.
(8:23 - 8:32)
That’s incredible. So it’s like having a personal coach that helps you refine not just your speaking skills but also how you approach tasks and communicate effectively.
(8:33 - 8:45)
Exactly. And it’s not just about scores. MySpeakingScore helps you see where you’re doing well and where you need to improve, so you can focus your practice and build real confidence.
(8:46 - 9:00)
It’s amazing how accessible these tools have become. In the past, good TOEFL prep might have only been available to students with access to tutors or expensive courses. Now, it’s available to everyone.
(9:01 - 9:14)
That’s the power of AI. It’s leveling the playing field and giving students everywhere the chance to succeed. It’s not just about test prep—it’s about building skills for the future.
(9:15 - 9:32)
Absolutely. And when you combine tools like MySpeakingScore with what we’ve learned about intellectual humility, it’s a winning formula. You’re not just preparing for a test—you’re learning how to communicate better in every area of life.
(9:33 - 9:45)
So, whether you’re a non-native English speaker or someone looking to sharpen your communication skills, cultivating intellectual humility can be a game-changer. And it’s something you can practice every day.
(9:46 - 10:02)
Exactly. Start by being more mindful in your conversations. Practice listening carefully, respecting different viewpoints, and staying open to learning. Those habits will translate directly into better speaking skills.
(10:03 - 10:24)
And don’t forget to take advantage of tools like MySpeakingScore to refine your responses and track your progress. It’s like having a coach that’s always ready to help you improve, anytime, anywhere.
(10:25 - 10:40)
So, let’s recap: Intellectual humility helps you slow down, think clearly, and engage thoughtfully. It’s about balancing confidence with openness, and that balance is what makes great communicators.
(10:41 - 10:57)
Combine that with consistent practice and tools like MySpeakingScore, and you’ve got a powerful approach to acing the TOEFL Speaking section. But beyond that, you’re building skills that will serve you for life.
(10:58 - 11:15)
Exactly. Communication isn’t just about tests—it’s about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and understanding each other. Intellectual humility is the secret ingredient that makes all of that possible.
(11:16 - 11:32)
And the best part? It’s something anyone can develop. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to learn, practice, and grow. That’s what real success looks like.
(11:33 - 11:50)
So, as you prepare for the TOEFL Speaking section, remember this: It’s not just about memorizing answers or trying to sound perfect. It’s about showing who you are as a thoughtful, engaged, and humble communicator.
(11:51 - 12:08)
Take it one step at a time. Practice regularly, get feedback, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.
(12:09 - 12:26)
And remember, tools like MySpeakingScore are here to support you every step of the way. With the right mindset and resources, you’ve got everything you need to succeed.
(12:27 - 12:35)
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into intellectual humility and TOEFL Speaking. We hope you’ve found it helpful and inspiring. Until next time—happy speaking!
