An introductory text on teaching speaking to adult second language learners. It examines different theoretical perspectives on the spoken language and offers practical suggestions for teaching. The eight chapters in the book cover:

	the ways in which people learn spoken language in social contexts
	the processes of producing and negotiating spoken language
	a historical overview of theoretical approaches which have informed spoken language teaching
	how to address the speaking needs and goals of students
	approaches to program planning which integrate the teaching of speaking
	speaking activities for a range of different learner groups
	the assessment of spoken language.

Also contains pre-reading questions and reflective tasks.