#3. Fast Planning for Tasks

This section gives you one simple plan that fits every speaking task. It helps you stay clear, on time, and easy to follow.

The FAST plan (use during prep time)

F — Find the task and the listener (5–10s)

• Who am I speaking to? (friend, service agent, the public)
• What is the task type? (advice, opinion, compare, etc.)

A — Answer in one line (5s)

• Write your first sentence now: advice, choice, or main idea.

S — Select 2 strong reasons (10–15s)

• Pick two different angles (time, cost, access, safety, fairness, reliability).

T — Tie each reason to a quick example (5–10s)

• Note a tiny detail for each: time/place/number/result.

Your prep notes should be four short cues: [Opening] / [Reason A + example] / [Reason B + example] / [Wrap].

Time frames that fit the progress bar

For a 60-second answer

• Opening (8–10s): state your idea or choice.
• Reason A (18–20s): reason + one short example.
• Reason B (18–20s): different angle + one short example.
• Wrap (5–8s): one line that answers the task.

For a 90-second answer

• Opening (10–12s)
• Reason A (25–28s)
• Reason B (25–28s)
• Wrap (8–12s)
  If you talk faster than usual, add one sentence to the wrap (a benefit or next step).

Speaking frames for clean openings

Advice (Task 1)

• “I suggest two steps: first …, and second …, so you feel ready.”

Personal Experience (Task 2)

• “Last [time] at [place], I faced [small problem] and fixed it by [action].”

Describe a Scene (Task 3)

• “This looks like [place]. I’ll point out three details I notice.”

Make Predictions (Task 4)

• “Given [visible clue], I think [next step] will happen, because ….”

Compare & Persuade (Task 5, Part 2)

• “I recommend [option] because it [key benefit 1] and [key benefit 2].”

Difficult Situation (Task 6)

• “I’d like to [goal], but [constraint]. Could we [polite request]?”

Opinion (Task 7)

• “I support [choice] because it [main benefit].”

Unusual Situation (Task 8)

• “I’m at [location]. [Problem] just happened. I need [specific help].”

Simple connectors that keep flow (use lightly)

• Cause/Result: because, so, therefore, as a result
• Add/Order: also, and, first/second, then, finally
• Example: for example, for instance, such as
• Contrast: but, however, although

You do not need a connector in every sentence. Use them where the jump feels rough.

Quick closings tuned to the timer

• Advice: “In short, try these two steps this week, and you’ll feel more prepared.”
• Opinion: “Overall, this option fixes the main issue we face every day.”
• Compare: “That’s why [option] is the better choice right now.”
• Difficult Situation: “If this plan works, please confirm, and I’ll follow it today.”
• Unusual Situation: “Please send [role] to [place]; I’ll wait beside [landmark].”

When the bar is almost full, stop adding new points. Use one clean wrap line instead.

Mini scripts you can adapt (all under the FAST plan)

A) Advice (90s)
“First, practice with a timer so your slides fit the limit; for example, keep each slide to 30 seconds.
Second, record one rehearsal on your phone; when you hear your speed, you can slow down for key points.
In short, these two habits reduce stress before Friday’s talk.”

B) Opinion (90s)
“I support bus-only lanes because they cut travel time and keep trips predictable.
First, during rush hour, a 20-minute ride often becomes 40; dedicated lanes prevent that delay.
Second, reliable trips attract new riders, so roads are less crowded.
Although a small fare cut helps some people, lanes solve the main cause of lateness. That’s why I choose lanes.”

C) Describe a Scene (60s)
“This looks like a community market. I notice crowds near the fruit stand, a sign about Saturday hours, and a staff member guiding a line.
Because the line is long, I think the store opened just now, so people are rushing in.
Overall, it’s busy but organized.”

D) Compare & Persuade (Task 5, Part 2 — 60s)
“I recommend Option B. It reduces waiting and costs less to run.
For example, evening staff can handle two counters, so lineups move faster after 6 p.m.
It also needs fewer new devices, which saves money for training.
Let’s start with Option B this month.”

E) Difficult Situation (60s)
“I need to reschedule my appointment. I’m stuck in traffic due to a road closure.
Could we move me to tomorrow morning or any time after 4 p.m. today?
I’m sorry for the short notice. If needed, I’ll bring proof of the delay.
Please confirm which time works.”

F) Unusual Situation (60s)
“I’m at Lakeview Station. The ticket machine won’t print after payment.
I need someone to reset the machine or print my pass at the desk.
My receipt shows 8:12 a.m., order #4173.
I’ll wait next to the north entrance sign.”

FAST on a napkin (what to write in prep time)

• Opening: one line with your idea or choice
• A: Reason 1 + tiny example
• B: Reason 2 + tiny example
• Wrap: one clean closing line

Keep the words short. You only need cues, not sentences.

Two quick drills (3–4 minutes each)

Drill 1 — 60-second loop

• Prep 30s: write your four cues
• Speak 60s: opening → reason A → reason B → wrap
• Self-check: Did you give one example for each reason?

Drill 2 — 90-second loop

• Prep 30s: same four cues
• Speak 90s: stretch each reason by one extra sentence
• Self-check: Did you finish with a clear line instead of trailing off?

Troubleshooting the timer

• Talking too fast? Add one extra detail to each reason (time/place/number).
• Running out of time? Skip new ideas and go straight to your wrap line.
• Losing your place? Look at your cues and say, “Second, …” to reset.
• Too many fillers? Pause for one beat and continue with “for example, …”.

Micro-checklist (before you hit “Start”)

• Who am I speaking to? What’s the task?
• One-line opening ready
• Two reasons chosen (different angles)
• One tiny example for each reason
• A short wrap line in mind