A planning phrase is a short expression that gives you two or three seconds to think without silence. It signals to the listener that an answer is coming.
This lesson closes the skills in the speaking interview section. It builds on handling a request for clarification.
Which planning phrases can I use?
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Buying time | Let me think for a moment. / That is an interesting question. |
| Introducing an opinion | In my opinion, / As far as I am concerned, |
| Adding a reason | The main reason is that / One reason for this is |
| Giving an example | For example, / A good example is |
Choose two or three you like and practise until you can say them without effort.
Worked example: with and without
Question: “Do you think students should use phones in class?”
Without a planning phrase. Four seconds of silence, then: “Yes… because… they can look for information.”
With planning phrases. “That is an interesting question. In my opinion, phones can be useful in class.
The main reason is that students can look up a word or a fact quickly. For example, last week we checked a date for our history project.”
The second answer has the same idea, but the phrases give structure and fill the thinking time. The listener hears a plan taking shape.
Why do planning phrases help more than umm?
A filler sound carries no meaning, so the listener hears hesitation. A planning phrase carries a small piece of meaning, such as “an opinion is next”, so the listener stays with you.
It also helps you. Saying a phrase you know well frees your mind to choose the next idea.
A common mistake
Some students lean on one phrase, so every sentence starts with “In my opinion”. The answer sounds rehearsed and wastes words.
Fix it by using a planning phrase once at the start and once when you change idea, not in every sentence.
Two-minute routine
Choose three questions. For each, say one planning phrase, then your answer, then one more phrase at the point where you add a reason. Record the attempt with the speaking rehearsal tool, which keeps the recording on your device, and listen for silences longer than two seconds.
Check yourself
Rewrite this answer using two planning phrases: “Yes. Sports are good. They keep us healthy.”
Answer
A model rewrite: “In my opinion, sports are good for students. The main reason is that they keep us healthy, since we move and breathe fresh air every day.”
The first phrase introduces the opinion and the second introduces the reason. Other phrases from the table are equally valid.
What to study next
Bring all four skills together in the speaking interview practice set. If your answers stay short, go back to extending a personal answer with a reason.
For a teacher to listen to your pauses and answers, see online one-to-one English tuition.