The effectiveness of role-play in improving speaking fluency of intermediate efl learners

A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design was employed with an experimental group receiving role-play-based instruction and a control group taught through traditional speaking activities. Speaking fluency was assessed using speech rate, pausing behavior, utterance length, and overall fluency scores. Learners’ perceptions were also examined through a questionnaire. The results indicate that role-play significantly enhances speaking fluency and positively affects learners’ confidence and willingness to communicate. The findings confirm the pedagogical value of role-play as an effective technique for developing fluent oral communication in EFL classrooms