The new TOEFL Speaking test is a game-changer.
At My Speaking Score, we’ve been preparing for months. We’ve built 15 brand-new practice tests aligned to the redesign and we’re launching them November 1 2025 (I'm targeting 50 by Christmas). This post breaks down what’s different, why those changes matter, and how to adapt your practice so you’re ready on test day.
What’s actually changing?
Three pillars that used to define TOEFL Speaking prep are no longer reliable:
- No more prep time to outline ideas before you speak
- No more note-taking to scaffold a response
- No more templated monologues that you can memorize and slot content into
The focus shifts to spontaneous speaking—how clearly, naturally, and confidently you respond in real time.
Two tasks drive this shift:
- Listen & Repeat tests your intelligibility (pronunciation, rhythm, stress) and short-term memory. You hear language and reproduce it immediately.
- Interview-style questions require quick, coherent answers without a build-up period. You’ll field logically connected prompts and keep your ideas moving.
This redesign rewards real English proficiency instead of scripted performance. That means your preparation must evolve.
What matters most now
1) Intelligibility over ornamentation
You don’t need rare vocabulary or complex grammar to win. You need to be easy to understand—consistent sounds, clean word boundaries, stable stress, and sentence intonation that helps the listener track your ideas.
Action: Prioritize pronunciation drills (shadowing, minimal pairs, stressed-syllable practice) 4–5 days a week.
2) Real-time coherence
With no planning window, your thoughts must organize as you speak. This is a skill: short openings, linear sequencing, and precise connectors that buy you time without sounding padded.
Action: Practice 30–45-second answers with a tight frame:
- Lead line (position or quick context)
- Two reasons or one reason + example
- Micro-wrap (one-line summary)
3) Fluency at a sustainable pace
Fast is only useful if it’s stable and clear. Most learners perform best between 140–160 WPM when intelligibility is prioritized.
Action: Record answers, calculate WPM, and trim filler. Aim for smoothness before speed.
4) Error tolerance
Small grammar slips are not fatal if your message is fluent and your pronunciation is clear.
Action: Stop self-interrupting to “fix” minor errors. Keep momentum.
Old vs. New: At a glance
How to train for the new format
Daily (20–30 minutes)
- Pronunciation shadowing (8–10 min):
Short authentic clips. Shadow line-by-line, then full-clip. Focus on stress and linking. - Listen & Repeat spans (5–7 min):
Repeat phrases of 7–12 words. Aim for identical rhythm and word boundaries. - Quick interviews (7–10 min):
Pick a topic. Answer 3 connected questions in a row. Keep each answer 30–45 seconds with the two-point frame.
3x per week (25–35 minutes)
- Recorded drills: Two interview sets + one Listen & Repeat set.
Review for intelligibility (would a stranger catch every word?), filler reduction, and cohesion markers. - WPM check: One answer per session. If under 130 WPM and clear, nudge faster; if over 170 WPM with slurring or dropped endings, slow down for clarity.
1x per week (40–60 minutes)
- Full practice with scoring: Use a test that mirrors the new flow. Analyze results to spot the single constraint throttling your score (e.g., weak word stress, drifting off topic, unstable starts).
Micro-frameworks you can rely on (without scripting)
- The Two-Point Answer
Lead line → Reason 1 → example → Reason 2 → example → Wrap line - The Explain–Contrast
State your view → explain it → contrast with a reasonable alternative → say why yours works better - The Because–So
Claim → “because” (cause) → “so” (effect/benefit) → mini-example
These are thinking aids, not scripts. Keep each piece short (one or two sentences) so you can move fast without sounding memorized.
Sample 10-day sprint
- Days 1–2: Pronunciation baseline (shadowing + minimal pairs). Two interview sets/day.
- Days 3–4: Add Listen & Repeat spans (work up to 12 words cleanly).
- Days 5–6: WPM calibration; remove filler with silent pauses.
- Day 7: Full practice test; review audio for dropped endings and weak stress.
- Days 8–9: Target single bottleneck you found (e.g., sentence stress).
- Day 10: Full practice retest; compare to Day 7.
Repeat sprints with a new bottleneck each cycle.
How My Speaking Score fits in
- 15 new practice tests (Nov 1 launch): Built for the new flow and tasks.
- Updated scoring engine: Calibrated to highlight what now drives scores—intelligibility, coherence, pace stability, and response control.
- Actionable feedback: Clear next steps, not vague advice.
If you want early access, send a quick message and we’ll get you set up.
FAQ
When do these changes matter for me?
They matter now—because your prep habits need time to adapt. We launch our new tests on November 1, so you can shift to the right practice rhythm immediately.
Should I still learn templates?
No. Use light frameworks (two-point answers, explain–contrast, because–so). Scripts slow you down and collapse when the question moves in an unexpected direction.
What WPM should I target?
Aim for 140–160 WPM while staying crystal clear. If clarity drops—consonants disappear, vowels blur—slow down. Clarity beats speed.
How do I improve intelligibility fastest?
Daily shadowing of short, natural audio. Track word stress, sentence stress, and linking. Record yourself; compare to the model; adjust until your rhythm matches.
How do I train for Listen & Repeat?
Build spans: start with 6–7-word phrases and move to 10–12. Focus on identical rhythm and clean word boundaries, not just “getting the words out.”
Is advanced vocabulary still useful?
Use precise words you can say clearly and quickly. If a term risks mispronunciation or slows you down, choose a simpler synonym.
What if I make grammar mistakes while speaking fast?
Keep going. Minor slips are acceptable if the message is clear and the delivery is fluent. Don’t self-interrupt to repair small errors.
How often should I take full practice tests?
Once a week is enough for most learners. Spend the rest of your time on targeted drills that attack your single biggest limiter.
Bottom line
The new TOEFL Speaking rewards clarity, spontaneity, and control.
Drop the scripts. Train your pronunciation. Build fast, linear answers in real time.
We’ll help you get there—starting November 1 with 15 purpose-built practice tests and feedback that tells you exactly what to fix next.