ELT365 · Day 192 — When learners won’t speak

Idea — Silence usually signals anxiety, unclear task, no thinking time, or nothing to say — rarely laziness. Diagnose the cause: rehearsal time, pair work and concrete tasks lift most reluctance.

Example — Given 30 seconds to plan and a partner to rehearse with, a quiet learner often speaks far more freely.

Try — Before your next speaking task, add silent planning time and a pair rehearsal. Notice how participation changes.

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