The IELTS Speaking Test is one of the most important parts of the IELTS exam, and for many test-takers, it can be the most worrying. As the day approaches, it’s natural to feel some anxiety, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can walk into the test room confident and ready to showcase your English skills.
Here are some last-minute tips to help you succeed, including strategies to manage anxiety effectively.
1. Rest and Eat
In the days and hours before the IELTS Speaking Test, many test takers try to do more practice. Unfortunately, for many test takers, this makes them more tired and more worried!
Instead, think about resting and eating. Your brain and body needs to be ready for the test!
A good night’s sleep before the test will help make sure your brain is ready to think. And a good breakfast will give your brain and body the energy it needs to perform well. Also remember to drink plenty of water.
2. Be Positive and Have Fun
It’s natural to feel worried when you are taking a test. This is because you naturally feel that you are being judged. Nobody wants to be judged!
But you can change this mindset.
Instead, think of the IELTS Speaking Test as YOUR OPPORTUNITY to “show off” your English skills. Don’t think about the mistakes you might make; think about the progress you’ve made in your language learning journey. Think about all the language you’ve learned and the things you can say in English. Yes, you will make mistakes – everyone does! – but focus on the positive things you can do. This will help you stay calm in the exam.
You can change this mindset even more. Try to have FUN with the exam. Try to enjoy the experience!
3. Extend Your Answers with Details
During the test, try to expand on your answers by adding follow-up details.
This not only shows your ability to use the language but also gives you more opportunities to demonstrate your range of vocabulary and grammar. For instance, if asked about your favorite book, don’t just name it – explain why you like it, when you first read it, and how it has impacted you.
4. Don’t Overthink Body Language
Many test takers worry about “body language”. They worry about how they are sitting, whether they are leaning forward, making eye contact and smiling. (Some people also try to study the examiner’s body language during the test!)
While it’s good to maintain eye contact and appear engaged, don’t let concerns about body language distract you from what really matters: your answers. The examiner is focused on your spoken English, not whether you’re smiling or how often you look up. Instead, focus on the content of your responses and speak naturally.
5. Engage with the Questions
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety during the speaking test is to be genuinely interested in the questions. When you’re excited about your answers, your intonation, sentence stress, and rhythm will sound more natural. This also helps you to be more expressive, which can leave a positive impression on the examiner.
6. Use Your Preparation Time in Part 2
In Part 2 of the Speaking Test – the Long Turn – you have one minute to prepare your talk before you speak. Use this time wisely: make brief notes and use headings or questions to plan the structure of your talk. Ensure that you use the entire minute to prepare, and don’t start speaking until the examiner prompts you. This preparation can help you deliver a more organized and fluent response.
In my experience as as IELTS Examiner, very few test takers used this minute properly. So by using the one minute preparation time, you will be putting yourself ahead of about 90% of test takers.
7. Managing Anxiety: It’s Normal to Feel Nervous
Feeling nervous before and during the IELTS Speaking Test is completely normal. The key is to accept your anxiety without letting it control you. Here are some specific strategies to help you manage those nerves:
- Breathe Deeply: If you feel your heart racing, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and help you focus.
- Focus on the Examiner’s Questions: Rather than worrying about your performance, concentrate on the questions being asked. This will keep you grounded and in the moment, reducing the chance of your mind wandering to anxious thoughts.
- Ignore the Recorder: There will be an audio recorder on the table, which can make some test-takers worried. Remember, the recorder is there to help you, especially if you want to have your test re-marked later. Try to pretend it’s not there and focus on the conversation.
- Don’t Worry About Interruptions: If the examiner interrupts you, it’s not a bad sign. They might simply need to move on to the next question to stay on schedule. Just stay calm and continue with the next part of the test.
- Ignore Anything The Examiner Writes: Examiners will often write down notes as you speak. Don’t worry, these notes are not about you. The Examiner is just writing down timings, so they stay on schedule.
8. Keep Perspective
Finally, remember that the IELTS Speaking Test is just one part of the overall exam. Even if you feel that you didn’t perform as well as you hoped, you still have the other sections to demonstrate your abilities. Every test is a learning experience, and with the right mindset, you can use this as an opportunity to grow.
Good luck, and remember—you’ve got this! With these tips, you’re well-prepared to handle the IELTS Speaking Test with confidence and skill.
If you have any of your own tips for the IELTS Speaking Test, please post them in the comments!
