Speaking Fluency Ladder (30→120 sec) (Speaking)
Build timed answers that grow from 30 to 120 seconds without rambling. This ladder gives ready frames, sentence counts, linkers, and pacing so you speak smoothly and naturally. Use the drills to train breath, pausing, and idea expansion. The routines fit Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Track word goals, cut fillers, and keep a clear tone. Practice daily with a timer and the cheat cards below.
1) Ladder at a glance
| Slot | Best for | Sentences | Word target | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 sec | Part 1 | 3 to 4 | 55 to 70 | PREP: Point, Reason, Example, Point back |
| 45 sec | Strong Part 1 | 4 to 5 | 80 to 95 | PREP plus contrast |
| 60 sec | Part 3 short | 5 to 6 | 110 to 130 | SEE: Statement, Explanation, Example |
| 90 sec | Part 3 full | 7 to 8 | 160 to 190 | TREE: Topic, Reason 1, Reason 2, Example, End |
| 120 sec | Part 2 long turn | 9 to 11 | 210 to 250 | SPARK: Setup, Past, Analysis, Result, Key message |
Word targets assume a steady pace near 110 to 130 words per minute.
2) Starter frames you can paste
30 sec PREP
Point: I prefer evening study.
Reason: It is quiet and I can focus.
Example: For instance, I revise vocabulary after dinner.
Point back: This routine keeps me consistent.
60 sec SEE
Statement: Online courses are effective for adults.
Explanation: They remove travel time and offer flexible schedules.
Example: Last year I finished a finance course during my commute.
120 sec SPARK
Setup: My most useful gadget is a fitness watch.
Past: I bought it in 2023 to rebuild my routine.
Analysis: The data shows sleep trends and helps me plan workouts.
Result: I walk more and feel energetic on busy days.
Key message: Small feedback loops can change habits.
3) Expansion tools that add seconds without fluff
- Add a micro contrast: while, whereas, in contrast
- Add a small why: this matters because
- Add one short example: for example, last week I
- Add a measured hedge: in most cases, to some extent
- Add a result line: as a result, this helps me
Limit each tool to one line to avoid circles.
4) Linkers by function
Add: also, in addition, besides
Contrast: however, while, whereas, by contrast
Cause: because, since, as
Result: so, therefore, thus, as a result
Example: for example, for instance, such as
Time: at first, later, finally
Rotate families rather than repeating one word.
5) Timing blueprint for Part 2: 120 sec
- 0 to 10 sec: Setup and topic line
- 10 to 35 sec: Past or background
- 35 to 75 sec: Main idea with two details
- 75 to 100 sec: Example story
- 100 to 115 sec: Result or lesson
- 115 to 120 sec: Clean end line
End line ideas: Overall, it changed how I plan my day. That is why it is important to me.
6) Sample prompts with outlines
Describe a useful app you use
30 sec: point, one reason, one example, close.
60 sec: benefit 1, benefit 2, small limit, example.
120 sec: when started, what it does, two features, story, effect.
Do you prefer working in a team or alone
45 sec: preference, reason, contrast, example, close.
90 sec: two reasons, example, condition when the other option is better, end.
7) Fluency fixes
- Shorten subjects: Long subjects slow you. Start with I or It.
- Beat the um: pause silently for one beat instead of filling the gap.
- Breath rule: speak one idea per breath.
- Verb first: prefer active verbs such as helps, shows, leads to.
- Numbered ideas: first, second, finally keeps pace steady.
8) Self check rubric
Score 0 to 3 for each item.
Flow: ideas link smoothly.
Range: mix of linkers and grammar links.
Pace: within the word target.
Clarity: one idea per sentence.
Ending: finished cleanly within time.
Target 11 to 12 overall for solid control.
9) Micro drills with keys
A. Add 15 seconds
Base: I read at night. It is calm.
Add: one example and one result.
Model: I read at night because it is calm. For example, I read two chapters yesterday, and as a result I slept earlier.
B. Build a 30 sec answer
Prompt: a place you relax.
Model outline: point, reason, example, close.
C. Stretch to 60 sec
Add a contrast and a small limit.
Model line: It works for me, although it can be crowded on weekends.
10) Daily timer routine: 12 minutes
- Minute 1: pick a prompt.
- Minute 2: write a 4 line outline for the target slot.
- Minute 3: dry run at 0.8 speed.
- Minutes 4 to 5: record a 30 sec version.
- Minutes 6 to 7: record a 60 sec version.
- Minutes 8 to 9: record a 120 sec version.
- Minute 10: mark linkers used and remove repeats.
- Minutes 11 to 12: rewrite the end line and re record one slot.
11) Cheat cards
Openers: I would like to talk about, One example is, In my case
Opinion: I believe, In my view, It seems to me
Compare: Compared with, By contrast, On the other hand
Cause: because, since, as
Result: so, therefore, as a result
Enders: Overall, In short, That is why it matters
12) Quick targets by slot
30 sec: 1 idea plus example
45 sec: 1 idea plus example plus contrast
60 sec: 2 ideas plus example
90 sec: 2 ideas plus example plus small limit
120 sec: story arc with lesson
Practice the ladder in order. When each slot feels easy, raise the next rung.