Speaking practice: Information for language learners

It's a great way to practice your speaking skills in a friendly and informal setting. Speaking practice is suitable for language learners of all levels from beginner to advanced and can be a way of practicing vocabulary and grammatical structures you have learnt in class, or to maintain conversation skills if you are not currently studying. Our buddies are all trained and will help support your language learning using an encouraging and non-judgmental approach. Remember the buddies are not teachers, and so it is your responsibility to bring something to discuss to the session.

Some speaking practice sessions will be held online using Microsoft Teams, and some will be delivered in person in the Language Resources Centre. The delivery method of each buddy or staff member's sessions will be made clear on our booking system so you can book depending on your preference (availability dependent).

The scheme is open to all members of the King's community including students, staff and alumni who can book sessions, sign up to deliver sessions or both! Members of the King's community do not need to be currently studying a language course with the King's Language Centre to benefit from using the scheme or joining the scheme as a buddy.

Online sessions will take place using Microsoft Teams, which we recommend you download the app for. Please try and ensure you have a quiet space to complete the session so your buddy can hear you clearly and please note that your internet connection can affect the quality of the call.

The languages offered and the number of slots available will depend on available buddies and staff each term. We prioritise finding speakers of the languages that we teach but you may also find a few extras!

You will be able to view the available slots by visiting our booking system (the link will be published below when the scheme is open for bookings around Reading Week). Note that the schedule is dependent on our buddies' and staff availability. If you cannot find a time that suits you, please contact us and we can see if our buddies have any alternative availability.

Bookings are limited to 2 sessions per week. We will keep this under review depending on demand to try and ensure as many language learners can access the scheme as possible. You can make bookings up to one week in advance. Please remember that the buddies are giving up their free time to help our students and there can be high demand for speaking practice. If you need to make a last minute cancellation, please let us know as soon as possible via email to language.resources@kcl.ac.uk. Late cancellations or no-shows will result in you being removed from the scheme.

You can view your current bookings and cancel them yourself up to one day in advance via the online booking system. Due to high demand, please ensure you cancel any unwanted bookings so these can be booked by other users. Should you need to cancel on the day of your appointment, please email language.resources@kcl.ac.uk and note this will be classed as a late cancellation. Repeat late cancellations will result in being removed from the scheme.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at language.resources@kcl.ac.uk

Book your Speaking Practice session here.