Smart Speakers

Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on June 9, 2019 and last updated on May 12, 2023

Discussing the topic of smart speakers is an excellent choice for English learners as it provides a relevant and engaging subject that aligns with today’s technology-driven world. Exploring this topic not only enhances language skills but also fosters critical thinking and encourages fluency in expressing opinions.

Through discussions about smart speakers, learners can develop vocabulary related to technology, consumer devices and everyday conversation. Additionally, this topic allows for valuable practice in using descriptive language, discussing advantages and disadvantages, and analysing social implications.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Smart Speakers

Smart speakers like Google Home and Amazon Echo are becoming more common in people’s homes. The ability to use the TV, turn on tights, and turn the volume up and down with only our voice is a technology that more and more people want.

As with a lot of new technology there comes a point where it is either proven to be a trend that comes and goes or something increases in popularity and keeps on growing and evolving as customer demand remains or increases.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • voice recognition (noun)
  • device (noun)
  • link (verb)
  • common (adjective)
  • trend (noun)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • Have you ever used a smart speaker? What do you use it for?
  • Will smart speakers soon be commonplace in homes?
  • How can smart speakers help you?
  • What are the negatives of having them?
  • Why are they becoming so popular?
  • Will they continue to be popular in 10 years?
  • What would you like them to be able to do in the future?
  • Are they good for children?
  • Do you think smart speakers are a useful tool for language learning?
  • How do you feel about the privacy and security issues associated with smart speakers?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.