Build your Fluency

Four drills to try on your own

Mar 02, 2025

When I first started posting about language learning on social media, I quickly realized that the words "fluent" or "fluency" can be problematic. People use them to refer to different things.

For some, being fluent in a foreign language means being proficient. For others, it means sounding like a native speaker. And for some, it simply means being able to speak with flow, expressing ideas without too much hesitation or struggle.

I'm a fan of the last definition. For me, fluency is one component of language competency, not a synonym for full mastery. This idea aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is used as a basis by many language exams. Here’s how the CEFR defines fluency at different levels:

A2 (Beginner):
"Can make him/herself understood in very short utterances, even though pauses, false starts, and reformulation are very evident."
B2 (Upper-Intermediate):
"Can produce stretches of language with a fairly even tempo; although he/she can be hesitant as they search for patterns and expressions, there are few noticeably long pauses."

Check out the full guide for a clear picture of what’s meant by “fluency” at all the CEFR levels.

See CEFR

So what does being fluent mean, then?

Fluency is often seen as an objective measure, but in reality, it is highly personal. There is no single "correct" definition that applies to everyone, and different exams, educators, and learners interpret it in different ways. What truly matters is how you define fluency for yourself. Is it about speaking without hesitation? Holding a conversation without overthinking? Expressing ideas naturally, even with mistakes? Clarifying this for yourself can help guide your learning and set realistic goals. For me, fluency means being able to get my point across without causing too much strain on my speaking partner. What does it mean for you?

Fluency Drills

Earlier this year, I wrote a Fresh Foundations post about automaticity, the idea that fluency is a result of practice and repetition. The more you use a language, the more automatic it becomes.

If you want to become more fluent, you need to practice speaking fluently without focusing to much on accuracy or range. The good news is that you can do this all on your own, without a teacher or a speaking partner.

Here are four drills I personally use to build my fluency in French or that I’ve used in classes with English learners.

1. Talk for One Minute

Set a timer for one minute and speak about a random topic. Do not stop, do not edit, just keep talking. If one minute feels easy, go for two or three minutes.

Need a topic? Use a random word generator: https://randomwordgenerator.com/noun.php

I like to do this drill when I’m driving in the car alone, cooking or in the shower. It’s simple and helps me “get into” practicing French and work on organizing my thoughts.

Recently I’ve been experimenting with using some simple frameworks to structure my ideas when I do this drill, so I feel like my communication is a little more meaningful (and not just random ramblings).

Here are two frameworks to try:

PREP: Point, Reason, Example, Point Summary
STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result

Example using the PREP format, topic: Chocolate:

I always prefer chocolate desserts to other types of sweets because chocolate feels more elevated and elegant.
Maybe it is because the slight bitterness counteracts the sweetness, adding depth to the flavor.
That balance makes chocolate the best way to complement a meal without overpowering it.

The STAR framework is often used to prepare anecdotes for job interviews. I use it to practice talking about my weekend or other types of anecdotes where I’d usually either ramble or have nothing much to say. I’ve found it to be helpful. I’d love to hear what you think!

2. Story Dice

Use story dice, either physical or digital, to generate random story elements. Create a quick story using the images or words you roll.

This is a great exercise for practicing different tenses (if your language has them!) and telling anecdotes spontaneously. You can also engage your imagination and creativity.

Here is a digital set you can try. https://davebirss.com/storydice/

Some of my students LOVE this activity. Others dread it. I have to be in the right mood to do this drill or else I find it too challenging. I think the trick is to approach it with a playful attitude without caring too much about saying something witty or interesting.

3. Linker Cards

Some of the resources I use to help my English learners develop their fluency. The blue cards are linker cards.

Write four linking words on small cards/post its: and, but, so, because. Start a sentence, then flip a card and continue based on that word.

Example:

I went to the beach.
(Flip: AND) I went to the beach and had lunch with my family.
(Flip: BUT) But it started raining.
(Flip: SO) So we did not go swimming.

This exercise forces you to think quickly and adapt mid-sentence, just like in real conversations.

I love doing this activity with my pre-intermediate learners. Sometimes their stories are a little ridiculous, but they get great practice being flexible with the language.

4. 5-3-1

Pick an anecdote, such as a funny, embarrassing, or personal story. Tell it in five minutes, then immediately retell it in three minutes, then again in one minute.

This exercise helps you simplify, focus on key details, and speed up your recall. I love running this activity with students because I can see first-hand how quickly they build their fluency. They speed up partly because they don’t hesitate as much (they already know the important vocabulary) and partly because they’ve learned what parts are the most important for the story to work.

For a variation, you can start small and expand. Tell a one-minute version first, then add details until it reaches five minutes. This version is helpful if you are at a lower level and still building the grammar and vocabulary needed to extend your speech.

What about you?

Those are some of my go-to fluency drills. How do you build your fluency?