Week 6 complete — The Science of Speaking Better. This week covered how improvement actually works: deliberate practice, feedback loops, spaced repetition, minimum effective dose, and output vs input. Here's everything in one place — and a self-audit to identify your biggest improvement lever before Week 7 begins.
Evidence-based practice checklist — all 5 in one place
Deliberate Practice
One specific target per session. Work at the edge of your ability. Mental engagement required — no autopilot. Specificity is what creates progress.
Feedback Loops
Attempt → measure → gap → adjust → repeat. Each attempt is different, not just more. Closing specific gaps builds skills — accumulating hours does not.
Spaced Repetition
New vocabulary reviewed through spoken production at Day 1, 3, 7, 14. Production — not recognition. 5 words per week builds 260 active vocabulary items per year.
Minimum Effective Dose
20 focused minutes with a target and immediate feedback produces more improvement than 2 unfocused hours. Short and deliberate beats long and passive every time.
Output Majority
70% of study time should be output practice (speaking, producing language). 30% input (listening to models, studying scripts). Most candidates have this backwards.
Find your biggest improvement lever before next week
Self-Audit Questions
Which of the 5 principles are you NOT currently using in your practice sessions?
Are you setting a specific target before each session — or just answering questions?
Are you reviewing immediately after each attempt — or moving straight to the next question?
Is 70% of your study time spoken output — or mostly listening and reading?
The first "no" you find is your biggest improvement lever. That's where to focus in Week 7.