Interactive Methods of Teaching English as a Means of Improving Students' Speaking Skills

Developing oral proficiency remains one of the most persistent challenges in English language teaching, particularly in contexts where learners study the language mainly in the classroom. This article examines interactive methods of teaching English and their potential to improve learners' speaking skills. Drawing on sociocultural theory, the interaction hypothesis, the output hypothesis and communicative language teaching, it explains why interaction is central to the development of spoken language. The article then reviews six interactive approaches: role-plays and simulations, pair and group work, discussions and debates, task-based learning, project work, and digital tools. A sample lesson sequence for students of tourism and hospitality illustrates how these approaches can be combined in practice. The article also considers the changing role of the teacher, common obstacles, and principles for assessing speaking. It concludes that systematic, well-structured interactive instruction increases learners' speaking time, fluency and confidence, and better prepares them for real professional communication.