Respecting to the speaking skill in the foreign language learning, most of the learners will not find it as easy as learning their mother tongue. Specific
languages can be more or less difficult to learn, depending on how different from or similar they are to the languages the learner already knows. Such difficulties
also apply to the Indonesian learners of English due to a number of factors that need to be further explored. Therefore, speaking skills which consist of five
aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, and content or comprehension should be improved to make the speaking process better.
1. Pronunciation
Pronunciation usually deals with the speech sound that is produced by speakers. Based on Burns 1997:126, pronunciation is, without doubt, an integral
feature of learning to speak a language, and important pronunciation features such as stress, rhythm, and intonation contribute significantly to the developing of
meaning. If a student has good grammar, but poor pronunciation, conversations or convey the meaning are likely to be very limited. It is important to remember,
however, that in language learning the main aim is to enable learners to achieve intelligibility rather than native-like pronunciation.
2. Vocabulary
Vocabulary is needed not only in speaking but also in three skills else, such as listening, reading and writing. Speaking vocabulary refers to all the words a
student can use in speech. As defined in Lexical Studies written by Sukrisno 2004:2, vocabulary is the understanding as the stock of words in a given
language. In addition, based on Linse 2005:129, vocabulary is the collection of
words that an individual knows. In fact vocabulary is needed in producing what a speaker want to say. More vocabulary a speaker has, heshe is more easily to
express or convey the idea to other people.
3. Grammar
Harmer 2001:12 states that “the grammar of a language is the description of the ways in which words can change their forms and can be combined into
sentences in that language.” From the definition, I draw a conclusion that since people know the grammar of their language, they also know how the language is
used, and they know how to construct sentences or utterances in the accepted
forms. 4.
Fluency
Speaking English fluently is a goal of many learners of English. Fluency means being able to communicate your idea without having to stop and think too
much about what you are saying. Thornbury 2005:6-7 states that “speed is a factor, but it is by no means the only—or even the most important—one. Research
into listeners’ perceptions of a speaker’s fluency suggests that pausing is equally important. All speakers pause—they have to, to draw breath. In terms of how
listeners rate a speaker’s fluency, the frequency of pausing is more significant than the length of the pauses.
In other words, it can be said that fluency is very important in speaking because without having it, the communication is less perfect and sometimes it is
difficult to convey message.
5. Content or Comprehension
