🌞 Speaking Tips, Self-Awareness & A Gentle Summer Reminder 🇺🇸✍️

shanitoeflyogalove
Jul 3, 2025
2 min read

Happy Independence Day & Happy Summer

TOEFL Family!

This time of year is often full of celebrations, family gatherings, and a little more sunshine—and I think it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on your TOEFL journey.

🗣️ Slow Down: Speaking Isn’t A Race

One of the biggest challenges I see—especially in the Speaking section—is that many students try to speak too quickly. In the stress of the exam, it’s easy to rush your words, hoping that faster means better. But speaking quickly doesn’t always mean speaking clearly or effectively. In fact, it often does the opposite.

I've worked with so many students who, after taking the test, send me what they think they said during their Speaking responses. When we compare it to their actual recordings, it’s often not the same at all!

That’s why self-awareness is so critical. It helps you catch when nerves take over, when ideas run together, or when you accidentally leave out key points.

💭 Tiny TOEFL Self-Awareness Activity

Here’s a little reflection practice you can try this week:

✅ Record yourself answering a typical TOEFL Speaking question (like: Do you prefer studying alone or with a group? Why?)

✅ Then listen back and write down exactly what you said.

✅ Compare it to what you thought you said.

Most students are surprised by the differences. This small exercise builds huge self-awareness—and it’s one of the soft skills I teach in private sessions that helps you work smarter, not harder.

🧠 It’s Not Just English—It’s Critical Thinking

Remember, with all the new TOEFL changes coming, it’s easy to focus on formats and scores. But don’t lose sight of your bigger goals.

This journey isn’t just about English. It’s about critical thinking, learning to structure ideas, speaking with confidence, and truly understanding your own habits under pressure. That’s exactly what I coach in one-on-one sessions, alongside the templates and test strategies.

🌻 Summer Sale – 50% Off All E-Books Until August 31

To support you this summer, I’m offering 50% off my TOEFL e-books:

📘 The Little Guide to TOEFL

📝 The TOEFL Writing Companion

👉 Use code SUMMER50 at checkout to save 50%.

This is the perfect way to keep your prep steady, even if you’re taking a slower pace this season. Offer valid until August 31. 🌼

💛 Grateful For This Community

If you’ve found my resources helpful or enjoyed working with me, please know how much it means when you share your experience. Many of my students come through referrals—friends and family of past students—and it truly is one of the greatest compliments. It tells me this work matters, and that you trust me to help others too.