{"id":13692,"date":"2026-10-15T12:03:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T18:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=13692"},"modified":"2026-10-15T12:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T18:03:39","slug":"what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is TTT When Teaching English?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">English teaching no longer means long grammar lectures or vocabulary lists that fill an entire class. Teachers who minimize teacher talking time (TTT) and increase student talking time (STT) in ESL classes change how much practice learners get, both in the physical classroom and online. This article answers the question, &#8220;What is TTT when teaching English?&#8221; and covers the benefits of reducing TTT along with techniques that get your learners speaking more in class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>online TEFL courses<\/em><\/a><em> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-cea2575b-b16e-4179-a32f-fbbfbcb29967\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#0-what-is-ttt\" style=\"\">What is TTT?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#1-what-is-stt\" style=\"\">What is STT?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#2-what-is-the-appropriate-level-of-ttt-vs-stt\" style=\"\">What is the appropriate level of TTT vs. STT?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#3-why-is-it-important-to-reduce-ttt\" style=\"\">Why is it important to reduce TTT?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#4-what-are-some-classroom-strategies-to-manage-ttt\" style=\"\">What are some classroom strategies to manage TTT?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#5-1-elicit-elicit-elicit\" style=\"\">1. Elicit, elicit, elicit<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#6-2-ask-open-ended-questions\" style=\"\">2. Ask open-ended questions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#7-3-incorporate-more-speaking-activities\" style=\"\">3. Incorporate more speaking activities<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#8-4-organize-pair-or-group-work\" style=\"\">4. Organize pair or group work<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#9-5-replace-words-with-non-verbal-cues\" style=\"\">5. Replace words with non-verbal cues<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#10-6-don%E2%80%99t-be-afraid-of-silence\" style=\"\">6. Don\u2019t be afraid of silence<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#11-7-ask-for-feedback\" style=\"\">7. Ask for feedback<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#12-8-plan-your-instructions-before-the-lesson\" style=\"\">8. Plan your instructions before the lesson<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#13-9-stop-repeating-what-your-students-say\" style=\"\">9. Stop repeating what your students say<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#14-10-track-who-is-doing-the-talking\" style=\"\">10. Track who is doing the talking<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/#15-when-is-it-okay-to-use-teacher-talking-time-in-the-esl-classroom\" style=\"\">When is it okay to use teacher talking time in the ESL classroom?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"0-what-is-ttt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is TTT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/creating-student-centered-classroom-through-clil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">student-centered classroom<\/a> depends on how much a teacher lets learners participate during a lesson. Teacher talking time (TTT) is the amount of time a teacher spends speaking in class, such as when giving instructions or taking part in discussions. Teachers who stay aware of TTT can manage that balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TTT covers more than the parts of a lesson you plan to speak during. Teachers also talk while they set up activities, and many rephrase an instruction that students already understood the first time. These unplanned stretches rarely appear in an <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESL lesson plan<\/a>, and they add up across a 60-minute class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TTT measures quantity, not value. Six minutes spent setting up a role-play that then runs for twenty minutes is time well spent, while six minutes restating what the coursebook already explained is not. Teachers who audit both the amount and the purpose of their talk get a more accurate picture of their lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tips-for-new-tefl-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Just started teaching? Find some essential tips that will help new TEFL professionals start on the right foot.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"1-what-is-stt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is STT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Student talking time (STT) refers to the time during a lesson when a learner speaks. ESL students use that time to practice the new language and apply what they\u2019ve learned in class, whether they\u2019re reading a text or commenting on a particular topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every minute of student speech does the same work. Choral repetition and reading aloud produce sound without asking learners to choose their own words. Describing their weekend or disagreeing with a classmate makes them build language themselves, and that is the speech that shows what a learner can produce independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">STT also hides a distribution problem. A class can reach 70% student talking time while three confident learners produce most of it and the rest of the room stays quiet. A high STT figure is only meaningful when the talk is spread across the group.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template2\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/120-Hour-Master.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Qualify for top English teaching jobs with the<\/h5><h3>120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Get Certified<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"2-what-is-the-appropriate-level-of-ttt-vs-stt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the appropriate level of TTT vs. STT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teacher talking time is not entirely negative, but an English lesson should give students as much time as possible to use the language. Teachers should therefore cut their own speaking time as much as they can in class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No standard ratio of teacher talk time vs. student talk time exists. Still, teachers should speak for around 20 \u2013 30% of the entire class time. This means:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common check-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-8cd01e15-288d-460e-be50-c9f8160f1ac7\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0e046e45-dfd5-48cd-bb23-4c0ea2a5eb76\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You speak for 12 to 18 minutes in an hour-long class.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-cfaf10c0-3ff3-4865-8c65-353c3f1e258f\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You take on a facilitator role most of the time and let students learn on their own.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 20 \u2013 30% range describes a typical lesson, not every lesson. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/english-language-learner-levels-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English language learner levels<\/a> shift it in both directions. A class of A1 beginners needs more modeling and more teacher talk than a B2 conversation group, and a lesson introducing a new tense will run higher TTT than one built around a debate. Judge your figure against the aim of that specific lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most teachers underestimate how much they speak. Record 10 to 15 minutes of a lesson on your phone, then play it back with a stopwatch and time only your own speech. Teachers who run this check once a term usually find their TTT higher than they assumed, and the recording shows exactly which stages of the lesson caused it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1190\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-1-1190x593.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher in class eliciting answers from students\n\" class=\"wp-image-43186\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-1-980x488.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-1-480x239.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1190px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teacher letting learners speak more in class by eliciting answers<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"3-why-is-it-important-to-reduce-ttt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it important to reduce TTT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your English classes should give students more talking time than you take yourself. The reasons below explain why that balance matters to the success of your lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common arrow-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-4754bf84-df13-4968-8bfa-78391b02c0c9\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-81c29d9c-f257-41bd-8fce-4fcbff67cc72\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You encourage students to participate every time you minimize TTT. The space you leave open during the lesson shows them that they can talk as much as they want.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-1931c5b9-93a0-4cbf-a8bd-04bad77980c4\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Lengthy lectures and excessive comments from the teacher make a class boring and monotonous. You keep your class dynamic and your learners more involved by getting them to speak more.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-42502cdd-d5cc-4a0c-a649-f337554963f8\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You get to know your students better the more you let them talk in class. You won&#8217;t find out what their favorite dishes are or what their childhood was like unless they share these during class time.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6587aa2a-316d-4002-a7ef-490479e1f03c\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You can check whether students have fully understood and applied what they\u2019ve learned once they speak more. A comprehensive description of the present perfect tense tells you nothing about their grasp of it until they start telling the class about their experiences, using that particular grammar concept.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9a6b33d0-b860-461f-bc65-4c14d8ec9f4f\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Students who speak more recognize and correct their own mistakes, either alone or with help from their classmates. Fixing their pronunciation, vocabulary, or grammar errors on the spot could make it easier for them to remember rules and improve their speaking skills on their own.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-544aded9-832b-4ad2-bcb6-7c730e5cf24a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">More space for student talking time leaves learners with a sense of fulfillment after each class. A lot of students enjoy having conversations even if they\u2019re about trivial topics. Learners who haven\u2019t picked up new words in class still value the part of their day they spent practicing English.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1036\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-3.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher delivering a lesson in person\" class=\"wp-image-43187\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-3.jpg 1036w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-3-980x655.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WP-Images-Edit-3-480x321.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1036px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teachers must always give speaking opportunities to their learners.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"4-what-are-some-classroom-strategies-to-manage-ttt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some classroom strategies to manage TTT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you ready to build your English students\u2019 speaking skills further? The tips below show you how to reduce TTT and let students do most of the speaking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"5-1-elicit-elicit-elicit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Elicit, elicit, elicit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You reduce TTT when you replace explanations with intelligible examples and guiding questions that let your students learn on their own. Show sentence examples when you teach a grammar concept, then ask the class what they notice about verb forms and other details. Students who discover the answers themselves will better comprehend even the most difficult concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start from what the class already knows. Before you present the past simple of irregular verbs, ask students to tell you three things they did yesterday and write the verbs they produce on the board. You then build <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-grammar-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">engaging ESL grammar lessons<\/a> from their language instead of your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teaching English online? Learn some classroom management techniques to improve your lessons.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"6-2-ask-open-ended-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ask open-ended questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The kind of questions you use determines how much learners talk. Asking a student, \u201cDo you like your school?\u201d will not generate as much information as asking, \u201cWhat do you like about your school?\u201d Move past questions that only require yes\/no or one-word answers, and make queries that demand more information or explanation from your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ccq-using-concept-checking-questions-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out how to use concept checking questions (CCQs) in the ESL classroom.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"7-3-incorporate-more-speaking-activities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Incorporate more speaking activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">English teachers often worry about which activities to add to their lesson plans. If you ever have this dilemma, just remember that anything that gets your students speaking works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can incorporate many <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-icebreakers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESL icebreakers<\/a>, games, and conversation activities into your English classes, from guessing games to debates. You can also turn pronunciation drills into <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-pronunciation-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESL pronunciation games<\/a>, or add speaking tasks to classic board games like Snakes and Ladders so students give mini-speeches in a fun way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also hand students the tasks that you usually do as a teacher. Have them read the instructions for an activity, for example, or let them answer their classmates&#8217; questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Activities that create an information gap generate the most speaking. Give one student a picture the other cannot see and ask the partner to draw it from the description, or hand two students different halves of a train timetable and ask them to plan a trip together. Learners have to talk because neither of them can finish the task alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tefl-discussion-questions-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Get your adult learners talking with these TEFL discussion questions.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"8-4-organize-pair-or-group-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Organize pair or group work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Classes of two or more students become more interactive when learners practice and do activities with their classmates. Ask them to role-play as a pair or group, for instance, or set up interview and presentation activities that they can do with a partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay out of the conversation while it runs. Move between pairs and note the errors you hear instead of correcting them on the spot. You can put four or five of those errors on the board at the end and let the class correct them together, which keeps your own talk to the final stage of the activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"406\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online.jpg\" alt=\"Online English teacher Rachel Cordova\" class=\"wp-image-42022\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Rachel-Cordova-teaching-online-480x325.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>EFL teacher Rachel Cordova offers positive feedback to students online<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"9-5-replace-words-with-non-verbal-cues\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Replace words with non-verbal cues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Non-verbal cues reduce TTT, so use as many of them as you can in class.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common plus-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-6f1b3645-00cf-498d-99e2-393fa5111aba\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-7638c599-ea5b-4c34-9371-2c29add9485f\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-tpr-for-teaching-english-and-how-can-i-use-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Total Physical Response (TPR)<\/a> keeps you from making unnecessary comments or giving long instructions. The technique makes learners react to a teacher&#8217;s body language, gestures, and facial expressions.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d741abe5-13c8-4fee-bcd4-26c9fa88468d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You can also point to particular words during a reading activity, or underline them in online classes, to let a student know that they mispronounced something and that they need to say it again.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a7bf0395-3f26-487e-80b0-a40f083950e2\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">A simple thumbs-up boosts learners\u2019 confidence while they speak in class, and even just a smile shows them you\u2019re proud of their work.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-teaching-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Aside from TPR, here are more ESL teaching methods that you can apply to your classes.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"10-6-don%E2%80%99t-be-afraid-of-silence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Don\u2019t be afraid of silence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silences are inevitable in English classes. Learners may need time to organize their thoughts, formulate sentences in a different language, or even process what you\u2019ve just told them. You don\u2019t need to fill a sudden silence by talking. Give your students time to think and answer, and only resume speaking if they ask for your help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/error-correction-teaching-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Not sure when to step in? Learn the dos and don\u2019ts of error correction when teaching English.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"11-7-ask-for-feedback\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Ask for feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask your students for their opinions instead of assessing your own lessons and their progress by yourself. You can get their thoughts on the activities you assigned or ask them how they feel about their speaking performance at the end of the class. Their answers increase their talking time and make them practice commenting in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shape questions to get longer answers. Ask each student to name the part of the lesson they found hardest and explain why, or to summarize what they learned in two sentences for the person next to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/feedback-for-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want your end-of-class questions to go further? See how to master the art of feedback for ESL students.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"12-8-plan-your-instructions-before-the-lesson\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Plan your instructions before the lesson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teacher talk expands fastest during instructions, because teachers who are unsure whether the class understood the lesson say the same thing again in different words. Write each instruction before the lesson and keep it under ten words. Demonstrate the first exchange with one student, then check understanding with simple instruction checking questions (ICQs) such as \u201cAre you writing or speaking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/online-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Need help planning? Explore ways to structure your online ESL lesson plans.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"13-9-stop-repeating-what-your-students-say\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Stop repeating what your students say<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many teachers repeat every student&#8217;s answer back to the class without noticing. The habit doubles your talking time and teaches learners to wait for your version rather than listen to each other. Replace the repetition with a nod, or turn the answer over to the class by asking whether everyone agrees.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template3\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-lesson-planning-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-The-English-Language-Teacher\u2229s-Guide-to-Lesson-Planning-Resources.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Find the materials that will benefit your students the most with the free<\/h5><h3>ESL Teacher\u2019s Guide to Lesson Planning Resources<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-lesson-planning-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"14-10-track-who-is-doing-the-talking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Track who is doing the talking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep a seating chart beside you and mark a tally each time a student speaks. Ten minutes of this usually shows that two or three learners are carrying the lesson while others have said nothing since the warm-up. Use the chart to decide who to bring in next, and change pairs so the quieter students work with each other rather than beside a dominant partner, which helps <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/build-confidence-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">build confidence in ESL students<\/a> who avoid speaking in front of the whole class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tefl-speaking-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get your students talking with these fun and engaging TEFL speaking activities.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"15-when-is-it-okay-to-use-teacher-talking-time-in-the-esl-classroom\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is it okay to use teacher talking time in the ESL classroom?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teacher talking time benefits an ESL class in a few specific situations:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common check-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-7c14f0b0-b6f4-4a90-9404-11dabe69433e\">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e13265d9-f060-4b1c-9fda-e0f52a2b8979\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You may have to model pronunciation and vocabulary use for beginner students, then make necessary corrections while they read words out loud.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e0a46ef0-6088-442e-9969-fcd59a4d05ea\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Storytelling activities may require a teacher to share their own anecdotes or experiences as an example before students tell their own stories.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-87f1850a-b68e-4f46-8ab7-f2c744736601\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">A teacher may have to provide further explanations to help students comprehend concepts.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-88b31863-cd94-45b6-b7f8-a21909f2a282\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You may need to react to what a student has said or participate in a discussion, especially when <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-one-on-one\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teaching English one-on-one<\/a>.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing teacher talking time changes what your job looks like before and during a lesson. You spend less time delivering language and more time designing tasks that produce it, then deciding when your own voice adds something the activity cannot. Learners get the practice they came for and stay involved in the lesson, and you get a clearer view of what they can actually do with English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with one lesson rather than your whole timetable. Record yourself and find the stage where your talk ran longest, then replace that stage with one technique from this article. Teacher talking time is one of the first things an observer or a director of studies will pay attention to, so the habit improves your classes now and also supports you in any lesson observation that follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"16-want-to-build-these-techniques-into-every-lesson-you-teach-bridge%E2%80%99s-120-hour-global-tefl-certificate-teaches-foundational-tefl-knowledge-covers-varied-methodologies-and-gives-you-the-classroom-skills-that-will-keep-your-students-talking-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><em>Want to build these techniques into every lesson you teach?<\/em> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Bridge\u2019s 120-Hour Global TEFL Certificate teaches foundational TEFL knowledge, covers varied methodologies, and gives you<\/em> <em>the classroom skills that will keep your students talking.<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is TTT when teaching English, why is it important to reduce it, and how do you encourage your ESL students to speak more in class? Find out the answer to these and other questions!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":43185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[176,302,686,617,641,635],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-13692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pedagogy","tag-lesson-planning","tag-teaching-adults","tag-teaching-conversational-english","tag-teaching-groups","tag-teaching-methodologies","tag-teaching-speaking"],"acf":[],"a3_pvc":{"activated":false,"total_views":0,"today_views":0},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-is-TTT.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Krzl Light Nu\u00f1es","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/krzlnunesgmail-com\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13692"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43191,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13692\/revisions\/43191"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13692"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=13692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}