Preparing for IELTS speaking test: Tips for building confidence, fluency

The Indian Constitution recognises 22 major languages within the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, however, there are more than 270 languages which are considered to be mother tongue by the Indians. Though English is used as a medium of communication in most schools and collage, English not being the mother tongue of Indians has posed language proficiency challenges for many individuals, especially those who come from rural India.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized language proficiency test that assesses a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English. One of the challenging components of the IELTS test is the speaking section, where test-takers engage in a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. This part of the test often causes anxiety and nervousness among candidates. However, proper preparation can help you build confidence and fluency to excel in the IELTS speaking test. Some of the ways to achieve this are;

Understand the format

Before diving into preparation, it's crucial to understand the format of the IELTS speaking test. The speaking test consists of three parts, each designed to assess different aspects of your language skills.

 Part 1: Introduction and Interview – In this section, the examiner introduces themselves and asks general questions about you and your life.

 Part 2: Long Turn – Here, you will be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. You will have 1 minute to prepare your response.

 Part 3: Discussion – This part involves a more in-depth discussion on the topic from Part 2, focusing on abstract ideas, opinions, and arguments.

Familiarizing yourself with the format helps alleviate anxiety and ensures that you are mentally prepared for each part of the test.

Practice makes a person perfect

Building fluency and confidence requires consistent practice. Engage in daily or regular English conversations, both in person and online. Join English language clubs, follow social media grammar influencers, discussion groups, or forums to interact with native speakers and fellow learners. This practice not only enhances your speaking skills but also boosts your self-assurance in using the language.

Record yourself

Recording your spoken responses can be immensely helpful in identifying areas for improvement. Listen to your recordings critically, focusing on pronunciation, vocabulary usage, and grammatical accuracy. This self-assessment enables you to track your progress over time and make necessary adjustments to your speaking style.

Expand your vocabulary

Keeping a dictionary handy either to understand the meaning or to learn a new word is extremely helpful. A rich vocabulary enhances your ability to express ideas clearly and succinctly. Read a variety of materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and literature, to expose yourself to diverse vocabulary. Make a habit of noting down unfamiliar words and incorporating them into your conversations.

Work on pronunciation

Clear pronunciation is essential for effective communication. Focus on enunciating words correctly and pay attention to stress and intonation patterns. Consider taking pronunciation classes or using online resources to refine your accent.

Mock interviews

Simulating real test conditions through mock interviews is an excellent way to build confidence. Ask a friend or a tutor to act as the examiner and conduct practice sessions. This experience will familiarize you with the interview atmosphere, helping you manage nervousness and respond more effectively during the actual test.

Time management

Time management is critical during the IELTS speaking test. In Part 2, for instance, you have only 1 minute to prepare your response before speaking for 1-2 minutes. Practice speaking on various topics within this time constraint to ensure you can deliver a well-structured and coherent response within the given time frame.

Embrace feedback

When you are given a feedback which is good or bad, embrace it and use it to become better. Seeking feedback from others is invaluable for improvement. After practice sessions or mock interviews, ask your peers or instructors for constructive feedback. Their insights can provide you with a fresh perspective on your strengths and areas that need enhancement.

Stay calm and confident

On the day of the test, remember to stay calm and composed. Take deep breaths to manage anxiety before entering the examination room. Confidence stems from preparation, so trust in your efforts and focus on delivering your best performance.

Whether you are taking an Academic Test or a General Training Test, the IELTS speaking test can be a challenging endeavour for some, but with focussed dedication and preparation, you can conquer it. Building confidence and fluency requires consistent practice, a solid understanding of the test format, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. By following these tips and committing yourself to regular practice, you'll be well on your way to achieving success in the IELTS speaking test and beyond.

(The author is MD and Founder, Erisha Edusupport)