Discourse Markers for Speaking: The Words That Structure Your Speech

Target: 1,850+ words

Discourse markers are the invisible scaffolding of fluent speech. They don't add meaning to your sentences — they organize them. Without them, even grammatically perfect French sounds choppy and unstructured. With them, you sound like a polished, confident speaker.

For TEF/TCF Speaking, discourse markers are your secret weapon for Sections B and C.

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Part 1: What Are Discourse Markers?

Discourse markers are words or phrases that:

• Introduce an idea: "D'abord..."
• Connect ideas: "De plus..."

Part 2: Introducing an Idea

Part 3: Adding Information

Part 4: Contrasting Ideas

Part 5: Expressing Cause and Consequence

Part 6: Giving Examples

Part 7: Concluding

Part 8: Conceding a Point

Part 9: Creating a Structure in Your Speaking

For TEF Speaking Section B (Presentation):

1. "Tout d'abord, j'aimerais presenter..." (Introduction)
2. "Ensuite, il est important de souligner..." (Development 1)
3. "Par ailleurs, on pourrait ajouter..." (Development 2)
4. "Pour conclure, je dirais que..." (Conclusion)

For TEF Speaking Section C (Debate):

Conclusion

Discourse markers are not optional. Without them, your speech is a list of sentences. With them, it becomes a structured argument. Memorize 3-4 from each category (introducing, adding, contrasting, concluding), and practice weaving them into your oral presentations daily. The examiner will hear the difference immediately.