Well hello there, Reader, I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to connect with you today.

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Generally, you don’t need to worry too much about using long or flowery introductions for your CELPIP speaking task answers.

One of my favourite kinds of stories to read, or movies to watch,- are stories or movies that use a story telling technique called: "In medias res." This term means, “in the middle of things.” In short, the story dumps you right into the action of what is happening in the story.

You need to do the same thing with your CELPIP answers!

Unless the question you are answering is placing you in a situation where those kinds of polite conversation starters are needed, it’s best to get right to the point of your answer, and let your tone of voice, and the feelings that you express as you talk, be what help you offer a polite answer.

If you try to use a flowery opening, or take time to thank the person for asking for your ideas or opinion for example, you will always find yourself scrambling to develop your answer because you’ve used up too much time.

Be Loud and Proud!

Instead, for your answer make sure you are loud and proud, and get right to the point of answering the question.

Loud and proud? I saw this message taped to the order station at the deli in a grocery store where I work: Make sure you give your order loud and proud!

In that context it means to make sure you speak loudly so the deli worker can hear you above all the noise.

On the CELPIP, speaking loud and proud means you don't move too far from your mic. (Don't be shy to speak right into it!)

And when you do speak, even if you feel nervous, speak loud enough that your listener will actually hear you. It might be tempting, especially if you're nervous, to speak quietly.

Don't do it!

If you're voice doesn't get picked up by the mic, or if it's too faint, it will be hard for the test raters to hear you which means you might have a lower score! So speak loud and proud.

Get Right To The Point!

If you’re sharing an opinion - get right to it! This means start right off saying if you agree or disagree with the topic, for example.

If you’re talking about a past experience, dive right into telling your story.

Describing a scene? Start talking about that lovely fountain you see in the beautiful city park scene you are looking at.

If you’re making a case for why you need to open a dry cleaning business instead of your business partner’s suggestion that you try to buy a laundromat, immediately begin stating why your idea is still the strongest one.

See what I mean?

Right to the point.

You’re not being rude.

Instead, if it will help you, imagine that your conversation with the person you’re talking with in your answer, has already begun. You’re ‘In medias - res!”

No introductions are needed.

In summary:

Be loud and proud with your answers. This will ensure your test rater hears you clearly.

Get right into talking about your main points without creating a long introduction. Getting to the point will help you create momentum with your answer, while also allowing you enough time to develop your ideas as fully as you can.

Having too long an introduction will steal your time and make it hard to completely answer the question!