DELF B2 Speaking test can be intimidating especially if you don’t have a big experience of practicing your oral skills in French. After I prepared many French learners to pass the DELF B2, I will share some advice so that you can boost your confidence for the speaking part!
For a complete detailed step by step guide, see the DELF B2 manual I wrote for this purpose:
click here to
BUY MY METHOD TO SUCCEED DELF B2, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
How to be confident when speaking French?And tips when you don’t know what to say
If you have a blank, doubt about a structure or if you can’t find a word, don’t try to find it too much, it’s better to continue or using one of these techniques:
Say the simplest sentence that you can, then you can switch your sentence with: “c’est à dire, je veux dire que, autrement dit, en d’autres termes , ce que je veux dire c’est que… » and repeat exactly the same thing (you are actually saying the same thing but gives the impression that you detail and say more) by changing just one thing in the sentence:
- voix passive
- nominalisation (very used in newspaper titles)
- les synonymes
- périphrases: use a sentence to explain a word you don’t know
Example: La pièce où l’on dort (la chambre).
- métaphores, images, comparaison.
Other techniques to use:
- Ask for help to the examiner. Sometimes they don’t answer and look strict but that’s their role, don’t be destabilized, continue.
Excusez-moi, comment est-ce qu’on appelle … ?
- During the debate, if you don’t understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat or to explain a word you don’t know. It shows also your skills
about interacting. Excusez-mo i,- je pense que je n’ai pas bien compris votre question.
- je comprends pas ce mot/cette expression.
- Vous pouvez répéter, s’il vous plaît ?
- Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ?
For a complete detailed step by step guide, see the DELF B2 manual I wrote for this purpose:
click here to
BUY MY METHOD TO SUCCEED DELF B2, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
NON-VERBAL TIPS
They sound implied but that’s important too.
Body language is the first impression you will give to the examiner. Whether it’s your motivation or willing to succeed, they will feel it through your body.
Be positive. Greet the examiners, smile and say thank you and goodbye. It’s basics but very appreciated.
Make eye contact. Eye contact is the most effective way of engaging your examiners.
Use your voice. Speak loud and clearly. Add contrast when you speak, stress your intonation. Intonation allows you to separate ideas and emphasize important points.
Put in the shoes of the jury: You are the 15th candidate and the examiner will fall asleep if your tone is uniform. Especially for the introduction, it must be dynamic and make the examiner wanting to know about your development. The examiner should not have to make an effort to follow your thought and your arguments. That’s why we use linking wordsthroughout your presentation and you should practice using them.
Raise your voice when you start with a sentence or an idea, and drop your voice when you finish. That’s very important and highlights your plan.
Dealing with stress
Before the exam, practice in front of some friends. At the very least, practise aloud to yourself, you will feel much more confident on the exam day.
Practice out loud and in front of different people will help you to handle with time and hear your own voice. Repetition is the key. It will boost your confidence.
For a complete detailed step by step guide, see the DELF B2 manual I wrote for this purpose:
click here to
BUY MY METHOD TO SUCCEED DELF B2, AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
If you need practice and simulations, I am here to help! Contact me and book a lesson with me!