ESB Graded Examinations in Speech Teacher Guidance: Intermediate

 Ask pupils to concentrate on making the introducƟon to their chosen piece enthusiasƟc and interesƟng for listeners. Again, stress the personal element – ask students to discuss what that chosen piece of poetry and drama means to them and why. Explaining this during their introducƟon will help them connect to the audience and awaken interest in their choice.  Encourage students to pracƟse their piece oŌen to develop a real understanding of it. In parƟcular, at Grade 5, the focus of the task is on the writer’s use of language. Reading the text on a regular basis will help students to gain a clear familiarity with, and knowledge of, the text.  When the piece has been memorised, encourage  students to experiment with different ways of emphasising certain words or phrases. In addiƟon to pitch, pace and tone, students can bring aƩenƟon to a word or group of words by inflecƟon, which is the slide or glide of the voice in an upward or downward direcƟon.  Please see the Suggested Choices  secƟon for a list of recommended pieces of poetry and drama. For further guidance about choosing poetry, drama and prose, please watch  this video:

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