Poster Talks: A Creative Approach to Developing Speaking Proficiency

Teaching speaking skills in the classroom using handbills and posters of different types of advertisements can be an engaging and practical approach. Here are some tips and instructions to effectively integrate these authentic materials into your teaching:

1. Selecting Authentic Materials:
   • Choose a variety of handbills and posters from different contexts such as product advertisements, event announcements, job vacancies, public service announcements, etc. This diversity will expose students to various types of language and communication styles.
2. Introducing Vocabulary:
   • Before delving into discussions, introduce relevant vocabulary and phrases commonly found in advertisements such as catchy slogans, persuasive language, product features, contact information, etc. Create a word bank or vocabulary list for reference.
3. Analyzing and Discussing:
   • Display the handbills and posters in the classroom and encourage students to analyze them individually or in pairs/groups. Prompt discussions by asking questions such as:
     • What is the main message of the advertisement?
     • Who is the target audience?
     • What persuasive techniques are used?
     • How effective is the advertisement in conveying its message?
4. Role-Playing Activities:
   • Assign roles to students based on the advertisements (e.g., advertiser, consumer, spokesperson) and conduct role-playing activities. This helps students practice real-life communication scenarios and develop negotiation skills.
5. Debates and Presentations:
   • Organize debates or presentations where students take opposing viewpoints on the effectiveness of specific advertisements. Encourage critical thinking and persuasive speaking by providing evidence to support their arguments.
6. Creating Advertisements:
   • Have students work in pairs or small groups to create their own advertisements based on a given product or service. They can design handbills or posters and present them to the class, explaining their choices of language and design elements.
7. Comparing and Contrasting:
   • Provide multiple advertisements promoting similar products or services and ask students to compare and contrast them. Encourage discussions on differences in target audience, persuasive techniques, and overall effectiveness.
8. Language Practice Games:
   • Incorporate language practice games such as “Guess the Product” where students describe an advertisement without revealing the product, and others guess the product being advertised. This enhances descriptive speaking skills.
9. Cultural Awareness:
   • Discuss cultural differences in advertising styles and strategies from different countries or regions. Encourage students to reflect on how cultural norms influence advertising practices.
10. Feedback and Reflection:
    • After each activity, provide constructive feedback on students’ speaking skills, including pronunciation, fluency, and coherence. Encourage self-reflection by asking students to evaluate their own performance.

By incorporating handbills and posters of different types of advertisements into your speaking lessons, you provide students with practical opportunities to develop their communication skills while also fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness. Adjust the activities based on the proficiency level and interests of your students for maximum engagement and learning.