Is Technology Helping You Speak, or Stopping You From Speaking?

These days, many learners use online tools to check grammar, translate sentences, or even write their homework. That can be useful—but there is one big problem: the more the computer does the speaking and writing for you, the less you use your own voice.

I’m starting to see the same pattern in class. Some students can read a perfect answer on the screen, but when I ask them to explain it in their own words, they hesitate. This happens because fluency doesn’t come from copying sentences—it comes from practising real communication.

So how do you improve your speaking in a world where technology does so much?

First, it’s okay to use technology for ideas! ??

……but you must still practise saying those ideas yourself. For example, in our mock interview and speaking classes, I help you turn written sentences into natural spoken answers, with your own tone and personality.

Second, many learners tend to translate in their heads before speaking. This causes slow, unnatural answers. In class, I teach you common sentence starters and linking phrases so you can speak your thoughts directly, instead of translating word by word.

Third, real life doesn’t give you time to prepare perfect sentences. Job interviews, IELTS speaking tests, Zoom meetings, and workplace conversations all require quick, spontaneous answers. Our practice for these situations focuses on speaking clearly under time pressure and responding to follow-up questions.

Finally….. a computer can write an email for you, but it cannot speak in a meeting, negotiate with a client, introduce you in an interview, or defend your ideas in front of your team. These moments require your own voice and confidence.

My goal this term is simple—to help you speak with the same confidence you have when you type. Whether you are aiming for IELTS, improving workplace communication, or preparing for interviews, or intending to converse with your friends and colleagues, I will train you to use technology only as support, not as a replacement for speaking.

See you in one of my classes for a speaking boost!