Step 1: Listen Carefully

Pay full attention to the speaker. Do not interrupt or talk while someone is speaking. Listen for the main topic and the most important ideas.

Step 2: Identify the Main Ideas

Ask yourself:

• What is the speech about?
• What are the key points the speaker is making?
• What example or story does the speaker use?

Step 3: Paraphrase

Paraphrasing means saying the same idea in different words. Do not copy the speaker's exact words unless it is a direct quote. Use simple language that you and your listener both understand.

Step 4: Report Orally

Speak clearly and organize your report. You can start with a simple introduction like "The speaker talked about..." or "In the speech, the main points were..."

Imagine you listened to this short speech at a school assembly:

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Asante. I am the head girl. I want to talk about the importance of reading books. Reading helps us learn new things and improves our vocabulary. It also develops our imagination. I encourage all pupils to visit the school library every week. Thank you."

Here is how you could report this speech:

Reported version:

"The head girl, Asante, gave a speech about reading books. She said that reading helps pupils learn new things and improve their vocabulary. She also mentioned that reading develops imagination. Asante asked all pupils to visit the school library every week."

Notice how the report:

• Identifies the speaker (the head girl, Asante)
• Gives the main topic (reading books)
• Includes the key points in my own words
• Keeps the meaning the same

Listen to this speech from a radio programme about children's rights:

"We, as children, have the right to choose what we want to study. We need freedom of speech and freedom to move from one place to another. However, we also need guidance from our parents and guardians."

A good report would be:

"A pupil speaker explained that children have the right to make choices about their education and to express themselves freely. He also said that children need guidance from their parents and guardians."

• Stay factual — Only report what the speaker actually said. Do not add your own opinions.
• Keep it short — Focus on the main ideas, not every small detail.
• Use your own words — Paraphrase rather than copying exact sentences.
• Be organized — Present the information in a logical order, like the order the speaker used.

Listen to a short speech (from your teacher, a recording, or a classmate). Then try to report it by following these steps:

1. What was the speech about? (Topic)
2. Who gave the speech? (Speaker)
3. What were the main points? (Key ideas)
4. Report the information to a friend using your own words.

In Tanzania, you will often need to report information you hear. For example, after listening to a news bulletin on Radio Maendeleo or TBC, you might tell your parent or friend what the news was about — who, what, where, and when. This skill helps you share important information accurately in school, at home, and in your community.