15 JANUARY 2026
Why Oral Still Matters in the Age of AI
in today’s digital age — with ChatGPT and countless AI tools at our fingertips — it’s easy for parents and students to wonder:
“Why do we still need oral classes?”
“Can’t we just generate answers and memorise them?”
If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re half correct.
Technology can help.
But technology is also a double-edged sword.
When used wisely, it supports learning.
When relied on blindly, it creates an illusion of competence.
What AI Can Do — And What It Cannot
Yes, AI can generate 101 different responses to any oral question.
Yes, it can provide structure, vocabulary, and even impressive phrases.
But what it cannot replace is:
HUMAN INTERACTION
AUTHENTIC THINKING
REAL TIME REASONING
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
And these are precisely what oral communication is about.
1
What I Do Differently in My Oral Workshops
In my oral workshops, I don’t just teach topics — because let’s be honest, topics can be Googled.
I go beyond that.
I train students to:
- think critically instead of reciting
- respond analytically instead of rambling
- express abstract ideas in a clear, child-appropriate way
- link questions to real-life experiences
- speak with authenticity and confidence
Most importantly…
I do not teach model answers.
2
Why I Don’t Believe in Model Answers
Model answers create:
- robotic responses
- memorised phrasing
- identical scripts across candidates
Examiners can spot these immediately.
Instead, I train my students to give responses that are:
- relatable — grounded in their own lives
- relevant — directly answering the question
- real-world — reflecting genuine understanding
When a student speaks from experience — their tone changes, their eye contact improves, and their confidence becomes natural.
That is what deeply connects with examiners.
The True Essence of Oral Communication
Oral is not about saying the “best” answer.
It is about giving a meaningful one.
It is the ability to:
- think on your feet
- organise your thoughts under pressure
- communicate ideas clearly
- and engage another human being
That skill lasts far beyond PSLE.
A Gentle Note to Parents
Watching my students through the years prepare for oral reminded me of this deeply.
You can practise endlessly at home, but without guidance, feedback, and real interaction, something is always missing.
And that something often shows up on exam day.
Moving Forward
My Oral Run 1 & Run 2 Workshops are designed to:
- train thinking, not memorisation
- build confidence, not dependency
- prepare students for exams and real conversations
Because while technology evolves, the power of human communication remains timeless.
If you believe oral should be taught beyond scripts, then you already understand why these workshops matter.