Hello Reader,

A few months ago I was listening to a client describing the image you see below - a crowded playground on a bright spring day.

They loved the spot in the picture where a woman is sitting with her dog enjoying the sun, so they started talking all about them because they loved dogs!

But I was totally lost!

Instead of listening to what my client was saying, I was lost in the picture trying to figure out where the dog was.

There's a dog in here?

I couldn't find it.

In fact, it took me nearly half the speaking task recording time to find what my client had been talking about!

The problem, and it's a common one: Not providing enough detail!

It's a trap!

Want to know a few of the top traps of this speaking task?

• Trying to describe everything.
• Not providing enough detail.
• Spending too much time in one section.

Today I want to help you avoid the second trap - not providing enough detail. (And, by the way, the dog and its owner are in the top right hand corner of the picture in the background. Do you see them?)

My client did an excellent job spotting the dog and its owner! And once I found what they were talking about, I discovered that they had done a great job talking about the dog, too!

To improve the response and keep your listener from getting lost, here's a simple fix:

"In the background, near the top right hand corner of the picture, I see a lovely golden retriever and it's owner sitting together enjoying the sunshine."

Specific and detailed = stronger response.

Specific details like clothing items, color, exact location in the picture help your listener (the test rater!) know where to look.

Specific details also help you score higher points because they help you demonstrate your vocabulary skills and your ability to use them precisely! (and test raters LOVE that kind of thing!)

Your takeaway

Always make sure you provide details about who or what you are talking about to help your listener (the test rater) immediately know where to look in the picture. Helpful details include:

• Location - in the background, in the foreground, on the right hand side etc.
• Colors.
• Clothing items - often clothing and color go together!
• Emotions - do they look happy? Sad? Angry? Bored? Mention it!
• Be specific with location names. It's good to say, "I'm looking at a busy playground." It's even better to say, "I'm looking at the playground in Bayview park." (Make up the name, or use an actual spot near where you live.)

Want to go a little deeper?

Here are two podcast episodes that might help you dig a little deeper with details!

​This could help you break free from an 8 on the CELPIP​

​Two CELPIP Speaking mistakes and what you can do about them. ​

Brought to you by: The CELPIP Success School

If you'd like to stop freezing on the speaking section of the CELPIP, and finally start giving calm and confident responses that help you get the score you need, then join the CELPIP Success school today - it's THE most introvert friendly spot on the internet to help you get ready for your exam.

Have a great week!

Aaron