Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method developed by James Asher that is based on coordinating speech and physical action, similar to how children acquire their first language. In TPR, the teacher gives students commands and they act them out without speaking. This allows students to understand language without pressure to produce it. Commands start simple and become more complex, and can be part of lessons or tell a story. TPR is effective because understanding and performing physical actions is easy for students and reduces anxiety before they are ready to speak.