Speak 4: Build Speaking Confidence Even with a Busy Schedule!

Posted on August 18, 2025

Learning a new language, whether it’s English or French, is an exciting journey, but finding the time can feel impossible. Maybe you have a full-time job, or you’re a student with a packed class schedule. You know that practicing your speaking is the key to getting better, but after a long day, the last thing you want is a boring, old-fashioned class. This is where NUMA Institute's Speak 4 course changes everything. It’s designed to help you become a confident speaker by fitting into your life, not by taking it over.

A Smarter Way to Learn: The Communicative Method

Many people try to learn a language by just studying grammar rules from a textbook. This “traditional” way can teach you a lot, but it often leaves you feeling shy and unsure of what to say in a real conversation. The Speak 4 course uses a modern and proven approach called Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Research shows that this method is very effective, especially for people who want to use their new language in real life [1].

Think about learning to drive a car. You can read a book about all the rules of the road, but you only truly learn to drive by getting behind the wheel and practicing. The Speak 4 course is just like that. You don’t just memorize words and rules; you use them actively. You will practice speaking from the very first minute, building confidence and making it easier for you to use your new language naturally. For example, in an English class, you won't just learn about the past tense; you will use it to tell a story about your weekend or a project you completed at work. In a French class, you'll use the "passé composé" (the past tense in French) to chat with your classmates about your day. This active practice helps your brain connect language to real situations, making your learning faster and more enjoyable.

The Power of Small Groups: More "Mic-Time" for You!

The Speak 4 course is perfectly structured for people who are busy. Classes are in the evening, so you can finish your work or studies and then focus on your language goals. A key feature is the small class size, with a maximum of six students. In a big classroom, you might only get to speak for a few minutes. But in a small group, you get a lot more "mic-time"—that’s your chance to talk, practice, and shine.

This small group setting is a huge advantage. It creates a friendly, safe space where you don’t have to worry about making mistakes. We call this a “no-judgement zone.” You'll feel comfortable asking questions, trying out new words, and even making a few errors. Research confirms that this kind of supportive environment helps students feel more confident and less anxious when speaking a new language [2]. You’ll be learning alongside others who understand your busy schedule, and together, you can motivate each other and build a great community. This personal attention from your teacher and peers helps you move forward much faster than you would on your own.

A Balanced Approach: Fluency, Accuracy, and Connection

The goal of the Speak 4 course is to make you a complete speaker. The lessons are carefully balanced, focusing on three key areas that work together to help you succeed:

• Fluency (30%): This is about speaking smoothly and easily, without long pauses. The goal is to get your message across naturally. You will practice speaking for longer periods, so you feel comfortable and confident keeping a conversation going.
• Accuracy (30%): This is about using the correct grammar and vocabulary. Your teacher will give you helpful feedback to improve your language skills, but in a gentle way that doesn't make you feel bad about mistakes. You'll learn the right way to say things so people understand you perfectly.
• Connection (40%): This is about using your new language to truly connect with other people. Language is more than just words; it’s about sharing ideas, listening well, and understanding different cultures. You'll learn to have meaningful conversations, debate ideas, and have fun while using your new skills. This part is especially important, because it’s why most people want to learn a new language in the first place—to connect with others.

By focusing on these three areas, the Speak 4 course gives you the skills you need to succeed. You won’t just learn a language; you’ll learn to use it to talk about your work, your school projects, and your life in a practical way that delivers real results. For anyone with a busy life who wants to improve their English or French speaking skills, the NUMA Institute's Speak 4 course is the perfect solution. It's a smart investment in yourself, designed to fit your schedule and help you achieve your language goals. Get ready to talk!

References

[1] H. Adem and M. Berkessa, "A Case Study of EFL Teachers' Practice of Teaching Speaking Skills vis-à-vis The Principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)," Cogent Education, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 2087458, 2022.

[2] S. T. Yaqobi, "The Effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching and Task-Based Technology in Promoting International Graduate Students' Communicative Competence and Willingness to Communicate in English: A Case Study," Texas Tech University, 2022.