We're so obsessed, in TOEFL Speaking, with structured delivery and language use, we rarely discuss the great "unmeasured construct" -- confidence.

Confidence in speaking is not about acting or faking—it’s about removing obstacles to clear communication. The very same features ETS identified in their confidence study align with the constructs measured in TOEFL Speaking.

Below is a breakdown of the constructs and how they map to confidence:

Delivery Construct (Fluency & Pronunciation)

Dimension	Definition	Importance
Speaking Rate (SR)	Measures how fast or slow a person speaks in words per second.	A balanced speaking rate is important for listener comprehension and maintaining engagement.
Sustained Speech (SS)	Evaluates the ability to speak continuously without unnecessary pauses.	Higher scores indicate better fluency and a more coherent flow of speech.
Pause Frequency (PF)	Refers to the number of pauses within a speech segment.	Fewer pauses usually suggest smoother speech, though natural pauses are necessary for clarity.
Distribution of Pauses (DP)	Assesses where pauses occur in the speech.	Ideally, pauses should be strategically placed at natural breaks, such as between sentences or ideas, rather than in the middle of phrases.
Repetitions (Re)	Counts the frequency of repeated words or phrases.	High repetition can disrupt the flow of speech and may suggest nervousness or lack of fluency.
Rhythm (Rh)	Evaluates the natural cadence and flow of speech, including stress patterns and intonation.	Good rhythm enhances listener engagement and comprehension.
Vowels (Vo)	Analyzes the clarity and consistency of vowel sounds.	Proper articulation of vowels is crucial for intelligibility and accurate communication.

Language Use Construct

Vocabulary Depth (VDe): Using precise and varied words makes speech sound more polished and confident.
Vocabulary Diversity (VDi): A wide range of vocabulary prevents redundancy and signals fluency.
Grammatical Accuracy (GA): Correct sentence structures reduce distraction and increase credibility.
Grammatical Complexity (GC): Complex but clear phrases demonstrate advanced command of English.

Topic Development Construct

Discourse Coherence (DC): A confident speaker guides the listener with logical transitions and well-connected ideas.

Key Insights from the ETS Study

Speech Features Carry More Weight: Speaking rate, pauses, and fillers were strong predictors of perceived confidence. This overlaps directly with TOEFL Speaking scoring.
Visual Features Add Value: Eye gaze and head posture added an extra layer of information. While TOEFL Speaking doesn’t use video, these findings suggest that confident delivery is multimodal in real life.
Confidence Shows in Extremes: The study found it was easier to identify very high or very low confidence. Similarly, on TOEFL, nervousness shows most clearly in choppy speech with lots of pauses and hesitations.

Why Confidence Matters in TOEFL Speaking

Confidence is not a separate scoring category, but it amplifies your performance across all three constructs.

Smooth delivery = higher fluency.
Clear grammar and vocabulary = stronger language use.
Organized ideas = better topic development.

At My Speaking Score, our SpeechRater-powered analytics already measure the features that contribute to confident speaking. By working on these features—like pause frequency, speaking rate, and sustained speech—you not only improve your TOEFL score, but also project confidence that carries into academic and professional settings.

FAQ: Confidence in TOEFL Speaking

Q: Is confidence a TOEFL scoring category?
No. TOEFL scores are based on Delivery, Language Use, and Topic Development. However, the features that signal confidence—like smooth delivery and reduced hesitations—are built into these categories.

Q: Can I “fake” confidence to improve my score?
Not really. ETS raters and SpeechRater focus on measurable speech features. You can’t just act confident; you need to practice reducing pauses, controlling rhythm, and speaking clearly.

Q: Do visual behaviors matter on TOEFL?
No. TOEFL Speaking is audio-recorded, so eye gaze and posture aren’t evaluated. But practicing confident body language can help you sound more fluent, since posture and breathing influence your voice.

Q: What’s the quickest way to sound more confident?
Reduce filler words (“um,” “uh”), practice sustaining speech for longer stretches, and aim for a consistent speaking rate (about 150 words per minute is ideal).

Q: How can My Speaking Score help me project confidence?
MSS gives you SpeechRater dimension scores on features like Speaking Rate, Pause Frequency, and Repetitions. By tracking these metrics, you can train yourself to deliver smoother, more confident responses.

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How Confidence Overlaps with TOEFL Speaking Scoring