Talk Smart: Effective Ways to Sound Smarter in Conversations

IELTS test online instructors set the bar for test-takers to motivate them to study harder and perform better. During IELTS online preparation courses, your confidence to use the English language in written and verbal discourse as well as your patience in learning are tested. Thus, it is imperative that you maximize your IELTS online preparation to achieve your score goal and witness your efforts pay off.

In the Speaking component of the IELTS test online, your ability to speak smartly and fluently is tested. The section is divided into three tasks.

Task 1. You will be asked to introduce yourself and answer questions on familiar topics such as subjects about your family, studies, and interests among others. Only five minutes is allotted for this task.


Task 2. You will be asked to talk about a particular topic drawn from the task card. You will be given two minutes to expound on the subject, and another four minutes to answer question/s related to the topic.


Task 3. You will be asked to expound more on the topic in Task 2. It gives you an opportunity to delve deeper into the subject and have a two-way discussion with the examiner. This task lasts for five minutes. 

HOW TO SOUND SMART

Keep it cool and stay well-poised.

During your IELTS Speaking exam, it is important to relax. It helps you think clearly and speak your thoughts effectively. Also, work on your posture. Stand or sit straight but not too stiff. This practice will help boost your confidence and project a self-assured image.

Talk to the listener.

There is no doubt that excellent grammar skills are lauded in conversations. However, it is more important to use comprehensible words than to focus on impressing the examiner with jargons. Use words you are comfortable with and that any listener would understand. Keep in mind that every conversation should aim to translate thoughts and share meanings rather than create language barriers.

Speak with a clear and audible voice.

Do not talk too fast or too slow. Likewise, avoid speaking too loud or too soft. Determine your normal speaking voice and work on it so that it remains audible enough for all the listeners in the room to understand every word you utter. Also, avoid fillers such as "um" and "ah." Pause for a while to think and gather your thoughts before you speak. Using fillers and having articulation problems may significantly the quality of your voice the message you want to convey.

Be wary of the tone of your voice.

Pay close attention to your intonation. Will you use the high or the low tone? Know what tone of voice you should use to convey the meaning of your speech effectively.

Know when to stay silent and end the conversation.

Do not be afraid to take a few pauses before stating the key points of your speech. During conversations, it is also important to know when to insert your opinion or just listen to the speaker. Another important aspect that you should learn is how to end conversations. If you have nothing else to say, stop the dialogue politely. Make sure that you were able to deliver all the key points during your speech before ending it.

The IELTS Speaking component contributes 25 percent of your overall band score. Hence, you must learn how to speak smartly and confidently. Let JRooz IELTS test online instructors guide you and hone your verbal communication skills.