Chapter I communicative Competence as a skill needed for communication

Step 1: Controlled activities

Although conversational competence can only come from fluency activities or natural language interaction outside the classroom, there is an argument for the use of controlled activities which help students develop confidence as well as the ability to participate in and maintain simple conversations.

Many students have to overcome a psychological barrier before they are prepared to speak in the foreign language. Some students feel uneasy when they have to speak in the classroom situation because there is always an audience; others contribute in the sheltered environment of the classroom but are at a loss when they have to use the language outside. A few prefer not to speak at all and are then denied opportunities for practice.

Within the classroom a major source of threat against speaking is the individual's perception of himself/herself and the other students. Threat reduction is possible by building up personal security through the use of getting-to-know-you activities which promote trust as well as articulation activities³ which give the opportunity to use English sounds in a safe environment.