Public speaking is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to describe a memorable speech they’ve given. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about giving a speech in each part of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about public speaking. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy giving speeches?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): To be honest, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with public speaking. While I get nervous before giving a speech, I also find it incredibly rewarding once I’m done. There’s something exhilarating about sharing your ideas with an audience and seeing them engage with what you’re saying. So, yes, I’d say I enjoy it overall, despite the initial nerves.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you gave a speech
You should say:
- What the speech was about
- Where you gave the speech
- Who was in the audience
- And explain how you felt about giving the speech
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about a speech I gave at my university’s graduation ceremony last year. The speech was essentially a farewell address to my fellow graduates, reflecting on our shared experiences and looking ahead to our futures.
The event took place in the grand auditorium of our university, a venue that could seat about 1000 people. It was decked out in the university colors, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
The audience was quite diverse. Of course, there were my fellow graduates, all dressed in their gowns and mortarboards. Then there were proud parents, siblings, and friends who had come to celebrate this milestone. The university faculty and staff were also present, along with some distinguished alumni and local dignitaries.
As for how I felt, it was a real emotional rollercoaster. In the days leading up to the event, I was incredibly nervous. Public speaking has never been my forte, and the thought of addressing such a large crowd was daunting. However, as I stood at the podium and began to speak, I felt a sudden calm wash over me.
I focused on my message and the faces of my friends in the audience, which helped me relax. By the end of the speech, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It was exhilarating to share my thoughts with my peers and to receive their warm applause. The experience really boosted my confidence and made me realize that I’m capable of more than I often give myself credit for.
IELTS candidate giving graduation speech
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How did you prepare for this speech?
Candidate (Band 8-9): To prepare for this speech, I took a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I brainstormed key points I wanted to cover, ensuring they were relatable and meaningful to my fellow graduates. Then, I crafted an outline, focusing on a strong opening to grab attention, a coherent body with smooth transitions, and a powerful conclusion to leave a lasting impression.
I practiced extensively, first in front of a mirror to work on my body language and facial expressions, then with friends who provided constructive feedback. I also recorded myself to identify areas for improvement in my delivery and pacing. Additionally, I researched techniques used by renowned public speakers to incorporate some of their strategies.
Lastly, I made sure to memorize key parts of the speech while allowing room for natural delivery, and I prepared note cards as a backup. This thorough preparation helped me feel more confident and composed when I finally took the stage.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think public speaking is an important skill for everyone to learn?
Candidate (Band 7-8): Absolutely. I believe public speaking is a crucial skill that can benefit people in various aspects of their lives. In the professional world, being able to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively can open up numerous opportunities, whether it’s pitching a project to your boss or presenting at a conference.
Even in our personal lives, good public speaking skills can help us express ourselves more effectively in social situations, resolve conflicts, or even give a touching speech at a friend’s wedding. It’s not just about standing in front of a large audience; it’s about communicating confidently and engaging others, which I think is valuable in almost any situation.
Moreover, learning public speaking can boost self-confidence and help people overcome their fears. It teaches you to organize your thoughts, think on your feet, and connect with others – all skills that are highly transferable to many areas of life.
Examiner: How has technology changed the way people give speeches?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Technology has revolutionized the landscape of public speaking in several significant ways. Firstly, the advent of virtual presentation platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams has made it possible to deliver speeches to global audiences without the need for physical presence. This has broadened the reach of speakers and made international conferences more accessible.
Additionally, technology has enhanced the visual aspect of speeches. PowerPoint presentations, interactive infographics, and even augmented reality are now commonly used to supplement spoken words and engage audiences more effectively. These tools allow speakers to convey complex information more clearly and maintain audience attention.
Social media platforms have also changed the game. Speeches can now be live-streamed to millions, allowing for real-time interaction with viewers through comments and likes. This has made public speaking more democratic and interactive.
However, technology has also brought challenges. Speakers now need to be adept at using various tools and must adapt their techniques for virtual environments where body language and eye contact work differently. They also face the challenge of competing with numerous digital distractions that their audience might have.
Overall, while technology has opened up new possibilities for public speaking, it has also raised the bar in terms of the skills required to be an effective speaker in the digital age.
Technology's impact on public speaking
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Articulate (verb) /ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt/ – express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently.
Example: “She was able to articulate her vision for the company’s future clearly.”Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
Example: “The experience of speaking to such a large audience was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.”Coherent (adjective) /kəʊˈhɪərənt/ – (of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent.
Example: “His speech was well-structured and coherent, making it easy for the audience to follow.”Engaging (adjective) /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/ – charming and attractive.
Example: “Her engaging speaking style kept the audience captivated throughout the presentation.”Persuasive (adjective) /pəˈsweɪsɪv/ – good at convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
Example: “His persuasive speech convinced many skeptics to support the new initiative.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing public speaking experiences:
Use a wide range of vocabulary related to public speaking and emotions. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to express complex ideas.
Structure your answers logically, especially in Part 2. Use clear transitions between ideas to show coherence and fluency.
Provide specific examples and personal experiences. This adds authenticity to your responses and showcases your ability to elaborate on a topic.
Practice expressing opinions on abstract topics related to public speaking for Part 3. This will help you demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Work on your pronunciation and intonation. Clear articulation and appropriate stress patterns contribute significantly to your overall score.
Remember, the key to success is regular practice and exposure to various topics. Consider recording yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort, you can enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence for the IELTS Speaking test.