Interpersonal Speaking
What the section measures
Interpersonal speaking assesses spontaneous interaction: answering questions, asking for clarification, negotiating meaning, and maintaining a conversation. The focus is on communicative success, not perfect grammar. You are expected to respond appropriately to what is actually said, take turns, and keep the exchange going.
Concepts to master
- Responsiveness: answer the question that was asked, not a rehearsed topic.
- Turn-taking: a strong turn often answers, adds a detail or reason, and returns a question or comment.
- Repair strategies: ask for repetition, paraphrase, or check understanding when needed.
- Circumlocution: when you lack a word, describe it, give its function, or use a synonym instead of switching languages.
- Register: use formal or informal address consistently with the interlocutor.
Traps
The main trap is delivering a monologue or a memorized speech that ignores the prompt. Other errors include one-word answers, failing to ask questions, freezing after an unknown word, and mixing formal and informal forms. Silence is costly; a brief filler or clarification request keeps the interaction alive.
Rule of thumb
Use an “answer plus” habit: respond directly, add one supporting detail, and, where natural, return a question. Worked example: if asked what you do in your free time, do not simply say “I play soccer.” Say that you play soccer on weekends because it helps you relax, then ask whether the interviewer follows any sport. This demonstrates comprehension, elaboration, and interaction in one turn.