Similar to how to organize idea in ielts speaking part 2, describing someone skilled at public speaking requires careful preparation and structure. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and tests candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences and opinions about communication skills.
Professional public speaker delivering presentation to engaged audience
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you enjoy public speaking?
- Have you ever given a speech in public?
- What makes someone a good public speaker?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While many find public speaking challenging, I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to share ideas with an audience. I believe that effective communication is crucial in today’s interconnected world. In my experience, engaging with the audience and maintaining a confident demeanor are key elements of successful public speaking.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person who is skilled at public speaking
You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where you saw them speaking
- What they were speaking about
- And explain why you think they are good at public speaking
Charismatic speaker delivering engaging presentation with confidence
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Professor Sarah Thompson, a renowned keynote speaker I saw at a TEDx conference last year. As someone who describes a person you admire for their leadership skills, she truly exemplifies excellence in public speaking.
Professor Thompson was delivering a compelling presentation about environmental sustainability. What struck me most was her exceptional ability to breakdown complex concepts into digestible information. She masterfully incorporated personal anecdotes with scientific data, making her presentation both informative and engaging.
Her commanding stage presence was evident through her purposeful movements and strategic use of pauses. She maintained unwavering eye contact with different sections of the audience, creating a genuine connection with everyone present.
What makes her particularly skilled is her impeccable timing and natural flair for storytelling. She effortlessly transitions between topics while maintaining a clear narrative thread. Her voice modulation and authentic enthusiasm for the subject matter truly captivate the audience.”
Additional Questions:
- What qualities make someone an effective public speaker?
- How important is body language in public speaking?
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has public speaking evolved with technology?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital age has fundamentally transformed public speaking. While describing a new skill you want to learn, many now prioritize virtual presentation skills. Speakers must adapt their techniques to engage both in-person and online audiences, utilizing multimedia elements and interactive tools to enhance their message delivery.”
Q: Do you think public speaking skills are more important now than in the past?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Public speaking skills have become increasingly crucial in our interconnected world. In contexts similar to describing a local artist you admire, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and engage diverse audiences is essential for professional success. The rise of digital platforms has amplified the importance of effective communication skills.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Commanding presence (n.) /kəˈmɑːndɪŋ ˈprezəns/ – powerful and authoritative appearance
- Voice modulation (n.) /vɔɪs ˌmɒdjuˈleɪʃn/ – variation in speaking tone
- Stage presence (n.) /steɪdʒ ˈprezəns/ – the ability to command attention on stage
- Articulate (adj.) /ɑːˈtɪkjələt/ – able to express thoughts clearly
- Captivate (v.) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to hold attention through charm
Similar to how audiences respond to describing a concert you attended recently, effective public speakers must create memorable experiences through their presentations.
