Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Nervous Moment Before an Important Event

Describing a time when you felt nervous before an important event is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, recount personal experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nervousness and important events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you often feel nervous?

Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I do feel nervous sometimes, especially before important events like exams or job interviews. It’s a natural reaction for me.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “While I wouldn’t say I’m prone to nervousness, I do experience it occasionally, particularly when faced with high-stakes situations. However, I’ve learned to channel that nervous energy into focused preparation, which often helps me perform better.”

Q: What kind of situations make you feel nervous?

Band 6-7 Answer: “Public speaking usually makes me nervous. I worry about forgetting what I want to say or making mistakes in front of others.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “I tend to feel a bit apprehensive in situations where I’m being evaluated or where the outcome is particularly significant. For instance, job interviews or important presentations can trigger some nervousness. However, I see this as a sign that I care about the outcome, which motivates me to prepare thoroughly.”

Nervous person before important event

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Felt Nervous Before An Important Event

You should say:
- What the event was
- Why you felt nervous
- What happened during the event
- How you felt afterwards

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe a time when I felt incredibly nervous before an important event – my first major presentation at work. This took place about two years ago when I was tasked with presenting our team’s annual project results to the company’s board of directors.

The reason I felt so nervous was multifaceted. Firstly, this was my first high-stakes presentation in my professional career. Secondly, the audience consisted of senior executives whose opinions could significantly impact my career trajectory. Lastly, I was representing not just myself, but my entire team, so I felt a strong sense of responsibility to do justice to our collective efforts.

In the days leading up to the presentation, I experienced classic symptoms of nervousness – butterflies in my stomach, sweaty palms, and even some sleepless nights. However, I channeled this nervous energy into meticulous preparation. I practiced my delivery countless times, anticipated potential questions, and even sought feedback from colleagues.

During the event itself, something remarkable happened. As soon as I started speaking, my nervousness began to dissipate. I found myself engrossed in the content, confidently fielding questions, and even enjoying the interaction with the board members. My thorough preparation paid off, and I was able to articulate our achievements and future strategies clearly and persuasively.

After the presentation, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment. The board members provided positive feedback, and my team was visibly proud. This experience taught me that nervousness, when managed properly, can be a powerful motivator. It pushed me to prepare more thoroughly than I might have otherwise, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.

This event marked a significant milestone in my professional development. It boosted my confidence and showed me that I could rise to the occasion even in high-pressure situations. Since then, while I still feel nervous before important events, I’ve learned to embrace those feelings as a natural part of the process, knowing that with proper preparation, I can transform that nervous energy into a compelling performance.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you usually cope with nervousness?
2. Do you think being nervous before important events is common for most people?

Band 6-7 Answer:

1. “I usually try to take deep breaths and think positive thoughts to cope with nervousness. Sometimes I listen to calming music or talk to friends for support.”
2. “Yes, I think most people get nervous before important events. It’s a normal reaction when something matters to us.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

1. “To manage nervousness, I employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I ensure I’m well-prepared, which boosts my confidence. I also practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and visualization. Additionally, I’ve found that reframing my nervousness as excitement helps me approach situations with a more positive mindset.”

2. “Absolutely, I believe nervousness before significant events is a universal human experience. It’s essentially our body’s way of preparing us for important challenges. The key difference lies in how individuals perceive and manage these feelings. Some see it as debilitating, while others view it as a performance enhancer.”

Person giving presentation confidently

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to nervousness and important events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: Why do you think some people are more prone to nervousness than others?

Band 6-7 Answer: “I think some people are more nervous because of their personalities. Maybe they worry more or have had bad experiences in the past that make them more anxious.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “The propensity for nervousness can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as some individuals may have a more sensitive nervous system. Additionally, past experiences and learned behaviors significantly influence one’s tendency towards anxiety. Environmental factors, such as upbringing and cultural norms, can also shape how one perceives and responds to potentially stressful situations. Moreover, certain personality traits, like perfectionism or a strong need for control, may contribute to increased nervousness in some individuals.”

Q: How can society help people manage their nervousness in high-pressure situations?

Band 6-7 Answer: “Society can help by teaching people how to relax and stay calm. Schools and workplaces could offer classes on stress management and provide support for people who get very nervous.”

Band 8-9 Answer: “Society can play a crucial role in helping individuals manage nervousness through various systematic approaches. Firstly, integrating stress management and emotional intelligence courses into educational curricula from an early age could equip people with valuable coping mechanisms. Workplaces could implement employee assistance programs that offer counseling and workshops on handling high-pressure situations. Moreover, promoting a culture that destigmatizes nervousness and reframes it as a natural, even beneficial, response could help individuals approach challenging situations more positively. Additionally, increasing access to mental health resources and encouraging open discussions about anxiety can create a supportive environment for those struggling with excessive nervousness.”

People practicing mindfulness techniques

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. High-stakes situation [haɪ steɪks ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən] (noun phrase): A situation with important consequences.
   Example: “Job interviews are often high-stakes situations that can make people nervous.”

2. To rise to the occasion [raɪz tu ði əˈkeɪʒən] (idiom): To successfully deal with an important situation.
   Example: “Despite his initial nervousness, he rose to the occasion and delivered an excellent presentation.”

3. Apprehensive [ˌæprɪˈhensɪv] (adjective): Anxious or fearful about the future.
   Example: “I was apprehensive about the upcoming exam, but my thorough preparation helped calm my nerves.”

4. To channel (energy) [ˈtʃænl] (verb): To direct energy or emotions into a particular activity.
   Example: “She channeled her nervous energy into rigorous preparation for the competition.”

5. Overwhelming [ˌəʊvərˈwelmɪŋ] (adjective): Very intense or in large amounts.
   Example: “The overwhelming sense of relief I felt after completing the presentation was indescribable.”

6. Multifaceted [ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd] (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “Dealing with nervousness requires a multifaceted approach, including physical, mental, and emotional strategies.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing nervousness before important events:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to emotions and experiences.

2. Provide detailed examples: When describing your experience, include specific details about the event, your feelings, and your actions.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze your experiences and draw insights from them.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language proficiency.

5. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.

6. Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest in the discussion and be prepared to extend your answers with relevant ideas and examples.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find it helpful to read about describing a time when you participated in a sports competition or made a significant improvement in your skills. These experiences often involve overcoming nervousness and can provide valuable insights for discussing high-pressure situations.