Spoken Language (Non-exam assessment): Candidates may use pre-prepared…

The idea

This guidance concerns how you prepare for the Spoken Language presentation. It tells you that pre-prepared notes, slides or similar aids are permitted to support you while you present, but using them is optional. The key word is 'may': the specification allows these aids, it does not demand them. So you can choose to present with a cue card, a short slide deck or brief notes, or you can present without any of these. What matters is that the aid supports your spoken delivery rather than replacing it. If you use slides, keep text minimal and use them as prompts so you maintain eye contact and speak naturally. If you use notes, keep them brief so you are not reading aloud. Decide in advance which approach suits your topic and rehearse with it. Your teacher will confirm how the presentation is organised in your centre.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Reading a slide deck word for word.

  Put it right: Aids should prompt your spoken delivery, so keep on-screen text short and speak to your audience.

• Overloading slides with full sentences.

  Put it right: Use brief cues so you keep eye contact and sound natural rather than reciting.

• Assuming the aid itself earns credit.

  Put it right: The assessment concerns your spoken presentation, so the aid is only a support tool.

Exam tips

• Decide early whether you will present with notes, slides or no aids, and rehearse in that exact format.
• If you use slides, limit each to a few short prompts so you speak rather than read.
• If you use notes, keep them to cue words so you maintain eye contact and natural delivery.