How can using texts in the classroom enrich speech and promote effective language learning? Talking Texts aims to show how and provides more than 60 ways of involving students in a text and making it more memorable. It provides a range of easy-to-use activities which focus on intensive reading skills and the use of reading activities to generate discussion. The aim is not only to improve reading but to get students involved in a text by doing interesting things with it. They can then transfer what they learn from reading into the spoken arena. These activities are designed to stimulate classroom creativity, help students read more effectively and get them talking. They also aim to promote awareness of vocabulary, grammar and meaning and are suitable for students of all levels and abilities, but are especially relevant to ESP. Suggestions are given for improving students' sped and comprehension in reading and the author shows how language can be drawn off the page adn into the spoken arena.