As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with the speaking section, particularly when asked to describe a person. Today, we’ll focus on a common topic: describing a great communicator. This topic not only tests your language skills but also your ability to articulate personal experiences and observations.
Confident speaker presenting to an audience
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for. When asked to describe a great communicator, you’re being evaluated on:
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource (vocabulary)
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
Remember, the key is not just to describe the person, but to explain why you consider them a great communicator.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about communication. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: How important do you think communication skills are in the workplace?
A: Communication skills are absolutely crucial in the workplace. They facilitate teamwork, enhance productivity, and help avoid misunderstandings. In my experience, effective communicators tend to climb the career ladder more quickly as they can articulate their ideas clearly and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who is a great communicator.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What makes them a great communicator
- And explain how their communication skills have influenced you
Here are two sample answers, one for Band 6-7 and another for Band 8-9:
Band 6-7 Answer:
The person I’d like to talk about is my former manager, Sarah. I worked with her for about two years at a marketing agency. Sarah is an excellent communicator because she has a knack for explaining complex ideas in simple terms. She always listens attentively to her team members and provides clear, constructive feedback.
One thing that makes Sarah stand out is her ability to read body language. She can tell when someone is uncomfortable or confused, even if they don’t say it out loud. This skill helps her address issues before they become problems.
Sarah’s communication skills have greatly influenced my own approach to teamwork. I’ve learned the importance of being clear and concise in my messages, and how to tailor my communication style to different people. Thanks to her example, I now pay more attention to non-verbal cues in conversations.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to describe my former manager, Sarah, who I consider to be an exemplary communicator. I had the privilege of working under her guidance for two years at a fast-paced marketing agency, where her communication skills truly shone.
What sets Sarah apart as a communicator is her remarkable ability to distill complex concepts into easily digestible information. She possesses an innate talent for gauging her audience’s level of understanding and adjusting her explanations accordingly. Moreover, Sarah is an active listener par excellence. She doesn’t merely hear words; she comprehends the underlying messages and emotions, making her team feel truly heard and valued.
One of Sarah’s most impressive traits is her adeptness at reading and interpreting non-verbal cues. She has an uncanny ability to detect subtle shifts in body language or tone, allowing her to address unspoken concerns proactively. This skill has proven invaluable in preempting potential issues and maintaining a harmonious work environment.
Sarah’s influence on my own communication style has been profound. Through her example, I’ve learned to prioritize clarity and concision in my messages, to adapt my communication approach to suit different personalities and situations, and to pay keen attention to the often-overlooked non-verbal aspects of interaction. Her mentorship has fundamentally transformed my interpersonal skills, making me a more effective communicator both professionally and personally.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has technology changed the way we communicate?
A: Technology has revolutionized communication in numerous ways. It has made instant, global communication possible through smartphones and social media. However, it has also led to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and sometimes creates misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues in digital messages. On the positive side, it has opened up new avenues for collaboration and made information more accessible than ever before.
Q: Do you think everyone can become a great communicator?
A: While I believe that communication skills can be improved with practice and dedication, becoming a truly great communicator may come more naturally to some than others. It requires a combination of empathy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability that some individuals may find challenging to develop. However, with consistent effort, feedback, and a willingness to learn, most people can significantly enhance their communication abilities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What qualities do you think are essential for effective communication in a professional setting?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In a professional setting, I think clarity and conciseness are crucial. It’s important to get your point across quickly and accurately. Active listening is also vital – you need to understand others as well as express yourself. Empathy and emotional intelligence help in building relationships with colleagues.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Effective communication in a professional context necessitates a multifaceted skill set. Articulation and succinctness are paramount – the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and brevity can significantly enhance productivity. Equally important is active listening, which involves not just hearing words, but comprehending the underlying message and context.
Moreover, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role. It enables one to navigate delicate situations with tact, read between the lines, and adapt one’s communication style to different personalities and cultural backgrounds. Assertiveness balanced with diplomacy is another key quality, allowing professionals to express their views confidently while maintaining respect for others’ perspectives.
Lastly, I believe proficiency in various communication channels – from face-to-face interactions to digital platforms – is increasingly essential in our technology-driven world.
Q: How can companies improve communication within their organizations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Companies can improve internal communication by holding regular team meetings and encouraging open dialogue. They could also invest in communication training for employees and use technology like internal messaging systems. Creating a culture of transparency where information flows freely is also important.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Enhancing organizational communication requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, companies should foster a culture of open communication, where employees at all levels feel empowered to voice their ideas and concerns without fear of repercussion. This can be achieved through regular town hall meetings, anonymous feedback systems, and cross-departmental collaborations.
Secondly, investing in comprehensive communication training programs can equip employees with essential skills such as active listening, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution. These skills can significantly reduce misunderstandings and boost overall productivity.
Moreover, leveraging technology judiciously can streamline information flow. Implementing user-friendly internal communication platforms can facilitate real-time information sharing and encourage collaborative problem-solving. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between digital and face-to-face interactions to maintain the human element in communication.
Lastly, leading by example is paramount. When top management prioritizes clear, consistent, and transparent communication, it sets the tone for the entire organization, fostering a culture of openness and mutual respect.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your speaking score, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:
Articulate (verb) /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/ – express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently
Example: “She can articulate complex concepts in simple terms.”Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: “His empathy makes him an excellent listener.”Non-verbal cues (noun phrase) /nɒn ˈvɜːbəl kjuːz/ – communication through body language, facial expressions, etc.
Example: “A great communicator can read non-verbal cues effectively.”Tailor (verb) /ˈteɪlə(r)/ – adapt or customize to suit specific requirements
Example: “He tailors his communication style to his audience.”Proactively (adverb) /prəʊˈæktɪvli/ – acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes
Example: “She proactively addresses potential misunderstandings.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a great communicator:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to paint a vivid picture of the person’s communication skills.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Discuss both verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication.
- Reflect on how this person’s skills have influenced you or others.
- Practice speaking about different types of communicators you admire to broaden your vocabulary and ideas.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, accuracy, and a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a situation when you had to work in a team, as effective communication is crucial in teamwork scenarios.