In the era when English takes an important part as international language, effective EFL (English Foreign Language) teachers are needed to help students achieve success of learning a foreign language. An effective teacher might possess some certain characteristics that make them different from teacher of other fields. The aim of this study was to explore content and practical knowledge as the characteristics of effective EFL lecturers. In depth interview was used to obtain data from four pre-service teacher students in year four of undergraduate study in English Language Education Department in a private university. The results of this study shows that characteristics of effective EFL lecturers’ content knowledge included that teachers; give clear explanation, have up to date information, upgrade subject matter knowledge, answer students’ questions with clear and satisfy explanation, studied in English speaking country, have good speaking and communication skill, use English language when teaching, adjust the vocabularies they use with students’ level, and have good writing skill. Then, the characteristics of effective EFL lecturers’ practical knowledge are; lecturers give clear instruction, provide well planned learning activities, create creative teaching, engage all of the students’ to participate actively, have good time management, can fix unpredictable situation in the classroom, implement chronological concepts, teach moral values, give some opportunity for all students, have certain teaching strategies, and create enjoyable classroom situation.