Speaking vocabulary
Communication skills
Use these expressions to speak more precisely about communication skills. Learn the meaning from context, then make your own example rather than memorising a complete answer.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
get my point across
- Meaning: successfully communicate my main idea.
- Example: A diagram helped me get my point across.
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to describe.
- Use “get my point across” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
active listening
- Meaning: paying attention and responding to show understanding.
- Example: Asking a follow-up question is part of active listening.
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to explain.
- Use “active listening” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
clarify a misunderstanding
- Meaning: explain something to correct a mistaken interpretation.
- Example: A quick phone call helped clarify a misunderstanding.
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to compare.
- Use “clarify a misunderstanding” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
express an opinion politely
- Meaning: state a view while showing consideration for others.
- Example: I try to express an opinion politely even when I disagree.
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to give an example.
- Use “express an opinion politely” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
give a concise explanation
- Meaning: explain something clearly in few words.
- Example: Could you give a concise explanation of the problem?
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to qualify an opinion.
- Use “give a concise explanation” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
pay attention to tone
- Meaning: notice how the manner of speaking affects meaning.
- Example: It helps to pay attention to tone in a difficult conversation.
- Context: communication skills. Use the phrase to discuss effects.
- Use “pay attention to tone” naturally in one sentence about communication skills.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 45 seconds practice.