SpeakSprint: enhancing English speaking skills through speed interview practice

This innovation introduces SpeakSprint, a dynamic, low-stakes speaking activity inspired by the speed dating format to boost students’ confidence and communicative competence in English. Designed for undergraduates in the LSP301 General English course at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), this approach prepares learners for simulated job interviews, a key course assessment through rapid, structured peer interactions. Grounded in Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), SpeakSprint transforms classrooms into interactive spaces where students engage in rotating five-minute interviews using authentic prompts such as personal introductions and behavioural questions. Conducted over three weeks, each session incorporates scaffolded support, including vocabulary banks, peer feedback checklists, and self-assessment via Google Forms to foster learner autonomy and reflective practice. To address anxiety in high-stakes speaking situations, the activity draws on Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis, creating a supportive environment that prioritises fluency and experimentation over grammatical perfection. Engaging with multiple peers and unpredictable scenarios, students develop adaptability and confidence through repeated practice. Preliminary results show promising outcomes: 85% of participants reported increased readiness for real-life interviews. In alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SpeakSprint equips learners with transferable employability skills such as communication, collaboration, and self-efficacy. The innovation demonstrates how gamified interaction and student-centred design can bridge classroom learning with career preparedness in a meaningful and motivating way.