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Exclusive Interview with Hanbridge’s Oral English Teachers: How They Inspire Students to Speak with Confidence

In Singapore, English oral skills are undeniably essential. It impacts far more than just English grades—it plays a key role in academic advancement, social interaction, career opportunities, and self-expression.

Whether preparing for the AEIS to enter government schools, aiming for polytechnics or junior colleges after the O-Levels, or progressing to higher education, English oral and presentation skills are no longer optional extras—they are essential foundational abilities.

In today’s classrooms across Singapore, teachers increasingly value students who can articulate their thoughts, engage in group discussions, and deliver clear, logical presentations. Presentations have become an integral part of assessments, from small class activities to large-scale projects. Students lacking oral and communication skills are at a clear disadvantage.

🧠 Why do many Chinese students often “write well but can’t speak”?

Despite learning vocabulary and grammar, many Chinese students struggle to speak fluently. Hanbridge Institute interviewed 2 oral English teachers who observed the same issue: students having good vocabulary bases but lacking real-world speaking opportunities and confidence.

“When I ask about vocabulary, students often whisper translations to each other in Chinese, but they can’t explain or use the words in English.” — Mr Robert

“Some students are afraid of making mistakes or being laughed at, so they become increasingly reluctant to speak. But language is learned through making mistakes. If you don’t speak, you’ll never learn.” — Ms Ratna

👨‍🏫👩‍🏫 Inside the Classrooms of Two Veteran Teachers

To understand how students can improve their speaking ability effectively, we interviewed two experienced oral English instructors at Hanbridge:

Mr Robert, a veteran teacher from the UK, has been teaching in Singapore for years. His classes are conducted in 100% English—as he doesn’t speak Chinese, students must interact with him in English only. His teaching methods include:

• Gamified learning (e.g. vocabulary chain games, role-play dialogues)

• Group competitions (e.g. timed speaking challenges)

• Tongue twister drills to improve pronunciation clarity

• Short speech practices to build confidence and stage presence

In a fun and dynamic setting, students can gradually overcome their fear of speaking, begin to express themselves, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Ms Ratna, a native Singaporean teacher with over 10 years of experience, thoroughly understands the local academic expectations and the high standards required in oral exams.

She believes language learning must go beyond textbooks. She encourages extending English practice into daily life, such as:

• Watching cartoons or movies with English audio and subtitles

• Keeping an English journal

• Chatting with friends in English

• Switching phone settings to English

• Practising one useful expression each day

“English is a living language. To truly master it, you have to use it in your life.”

🎯 Hanbridge’s Core Philosophy on Language Learning

At Hanbridge, we believe language is not just knowledge, but a skill—and skills grow through use, practice, and communication.

We encourage students to:

• Be unafraid of making mistakes, and speak bravely in English

• Develop communication abilities in real-world contexts

• Discover the satisfaction and joy of using English meaningfully

Our teachers are not only experienced but also skilled in using warmth and creative teaching methods to spark student participation and bring the classroom to life.

In Singapore’s multicultural and global environment, strong speaking skills are the passport to bigger stages and broader opportunities.