Tips on How to Prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test

Many of us dread speaking in front of the class or facing an interview. Remember when your boss asked you to present a report to more than 10 people? You may have experienced any of these bodily reactions: throat drying out, legs shuddering and stuttering during your speech. These reactions are common especially when we experience speech anxiety.

If you are planning to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, you may want to consider how to handle or overcome your stage fright. You see, the IELTS has four substests: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The Listening and Speaking tests are similar for Academic and General Training. Meanwhile, the Reading and Writing tests vary depending on the IELTS type you wish to take.

The IELTS Speaking test lasts for approximately 11–14 minutes. It consists of three parts:

• Part 1 – This part is like participating in an interview. The examiner asks the test taker some questions to assess his/her ability to communicate daily situations and topics. Questions mostly elicit information about the test taker’s family, employment, education, hobbies and interests, etc.
• Part 2 – This part aims to assess the test taker’s ability to talk about a given topic at a certain length. The examiner hands a card to the test taker that contains the topic and its key areas that the test taker should cover in his/her speech. It usually takes two minutes before the examiner stops the test taker and starts to ask questions related to the topic.
• Part 3 – In this part, the examiner engages in a discussion with the test taker about the topic in Part 2. The aim is to assess the test taker’s ability to justify or elaborate claims and scrutinize issues.

Hence, taking the IELTS Speaking test would require not only a person’s confidence, but more importantly his/her ability to think on one’s feet. So how does a test taker ace the IELTS Speaking test? Aside from extensive practicing, you may opt to enroll in an IELTS online review if you cannot take a day off from work or if you have a crazy schedule. The IELTS Speaking examination is a lot like delivering an impromptu speech. It is spontaneous, and it requires the test taker to be explicit.

Here are five tips that can help you deliver a good “speech” during the IELTS Speaking test.

1. Face your fear
    It is natural to experience speech anxiety, but you would not want this fear to be a hindrance from the bright future ahead of you. Consider the IELTS Speaking examination as one of the biggest challenges of your life. This might be an exaggeration, but deliver the speech as if your life depended on it.

2. Stop worrying and start speaking
    It is okay to panic—you are about to face one of the biggest challenges of your life, remember?—but take it from Bill Cosby: “…your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” Once the examiner informs you that the test is about to start, take a deep breath and free your mind from anything else so you can focus. When the examination begins, collect your thoughts and start speaking. It is important that you are able to maintain composure even under pressure.

3. Prepare by getting familiar with common questions
    You have been to interviews more than once, whether it is for admission from a college/university or for employment. What are the common questions that interviewers ask you? Practice answering these questions, as they are particularly helpful in Part 1.

4. Practice on your own or with a partner
    The key to any successful presentations or demos is preparation, which entails practice. You can practice in front of the mirror, but it would be better to do it with a partner. Ask your partner to provide you with feedback so you would know which areas need improvement. Moreover, practice how much time it will take you to accomplish each part of the test. (Part 1 lasts for four to five minutes; Part 2 lasts for three to four minutes; and Part 3 lasts for four to five minutes.) Make sure that you do not exceed in each timeframe. You may also want to enroll in an IELTS online training, as some review centers offer one-on-one coaching.

5. Follow Dory’s advice
    You probably have seen Finding Nemo. (Who have not, anyway?) Remember what Dory told Marlin? When answering questions, discussing a topic, or engaging in a conversation with the examiner, it is best to be spontaneous—“just keep swimming.” As much as you want to be conscious of your grammar while speaking, it is more important to be able to get your message across. Keep in mind that the IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your ability to communicate daily situations and topics, to talk about a given topic at a certain length and to justify or elaborate claims and scrutinize issues.

6. Relax before the big day
    Spend time with family and friends for encouragement and support. They can help you deal with your worries by reminding you of your strengths.

Taking the IELTS Speaking exam can be frightening. Do not let this fear take over your chances of working or studying abroad. Aside from the five tips discussed in this article, consider enrolling in IELTS online trainings or IELTS online reviews as they provide one-on-one coaching for each subtest.