The Implementation Of Small Talk Strategy In Improving Students’ Speaking Skill

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of small talk strategy in improving students’ speaking skills and to explore their perceptions of the implementation of small talk strategy in improving their speaking skills. The study utilized a quantitative method and quasi-experimental design, involving 20 students from grade X.A and 20 students from X.B senior high school of MAN 2 Aceh Besar. The students were divided into experimental and control classes, each consisting of 20 students. They were selected through a simple random sampling. Pre-tests and post-tests were used to collect data, and t-tests were used for data analysis. Questionnaires were also utilized to reinforce the research results and to assess students’ perceptions. The results indicate that the experimental class showed a significant improvement in their speaking compared to the control group, which was validated by a t-test with a p-value less than 0.05. It was found that (Ha) was accepted and the null (H0) was rejected as there was no significant difference in the speaking progress of students were not given small talk. Therefore, it is highly recommended to implement the small talk strategy in the classroom to improve students’ speaking abilities.