[Heads Up English]

I agree with Batfink. Competition always works well, especially with an inattentive bunch of students. Don't forget that any speaking activity also requires listening, though. Students could interview one another for weekend plans or likes/dislikes or last/best vacations. Students could be assigned an activity which would require some sort of problem to solve or task to accomplish. (Of the top of my head, students must line up in order of birthdays, beginning with January. Students would need to ask one another in English to accomplish this task.) If students aren't attentive enough to listen to even for a few minutes, these sorts of participatory activities help.

Good luck!

Chris Cotter
Heads Up English - Just print and teach!
Heads Up English