Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Nervous Experience with Confidence

Describing a time when you felt nervous before doing something is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, narrate personal experiences, and use a range of vocabulary related to feelings and events. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.

Describe a time you overcame an obstacle in your life can be closely related to describing a nervous experience, as overcoming nervousness is often an obstacle in itself. By mastering these topics, you’ll be well-prepared for various speaking scenarios in the IELTS exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. Do you often feel nervous?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “I wouldn’t say I feel nervous frequently, but there are certainly situations that trigger anxiety for me. Public speaking and important exams are two examples that come to mind. However, I’ve learned to manage my nerves better over time through deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk.”

2. What makes you feel nervous?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Various situations can induce nervousness for me, particularly those involving high stakes or unfamiliar environments. For instance, job interviews tend to make me quite anxious due to their potential impact on my career. Additionally, performing in front of large audiences, whether it’s giving a presentation or participating in a musical recital, can trigger a surge of nervousness. I find that the anticipation of these events often amplifies my anxiety.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:
Describe A Time When You Felt Nervous Before Doing Something important. You should say:

• What the important thing was
• Why you felt nervous
• What happened in the end
• And explain how you felt after the event

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience that stands out vividly in my memory – the day I had to deliver a keynote speech at a major conference in my field. This event was particularly significant as it was my first time addressing such a large and distinguished audience of industry experts and potential collaborators.

The nervousness I felt leading up to this event was almost overwhelming. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweating as I rehearsed my speech countless times. The pressure to make a strong impression and effectively communicate my research findings weighed heavily on me. I was acutely aware that this presentation could potentially shape my professional reputation and open doors for future opportunities.

Despite my anxiety, I managed to compose myself as I stepped onto the stage. I took a deep breath, reminded myself of my thorough preparation, and began my speech. To my surprise, once I started speaking, my nervousness began to dissipate. I found myself engaging with the audience, responding to their reactions, and even enjoying the experience.

In the end, the presentation was a resounding success. I received positive feedback from attendees and even sparked interesting discussions during the Q&A session. The feeling after the event was indescribable – a mixture of relief, pride, and exhilaration. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I felt a surge of confidence in my abilities.

This experience taught me that nervousness, while uncomfortable, can be channeled into positive energy. It pushed me to prepare thoroughly and perform at my best. Now, whenever I face similar situations, I remind myself of this success and approach them with more self-assurance.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a Nervous Experience

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How do you usually deal with nervousness?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “I’ve developed several strategies to cope with nervousness. Deep breathing exercises help me calm my nerves and center my thoughts. I also find that positive self-talk and visualizing success can boost my confidence. Additionally, I try to prepare thoroughly for important events, which helps me feel more in control and less anxious.”

2. Do you think some level of nervousness can be beneficial?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Absolutely. I believe a moderate level of nervousness can be incredibly advantageous. It often serves as a natural stimulant, sharpening our focus and heightening our senses. This enhanced alertness can lead to improved performance in various situations, from public speaking to competitive sports. Moreover, the adrenaline rush associated with nervousness can provide an extra burst of energy, helping us to rise to the occasion and exceed our usual capabilities. However, the key is to harness this nervous energy constructively rather than allowing it to become overwhelming or debilitating.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s discuss the role of nervousness in different aspects of life.

1. How does nervousness affect people in their professional lives?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “Nervousness can have both positive and negative impacts on people’s professional lives. On the one hand, it can motivate individuals to prepare thoroughly for important meetings or presentations, leading to better performance. However, excessive nervousness might hinder communication skills or decision-making abilities, potentially affecting job performance or career advancement opportunities.”

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “The influence of nervousness on professional life is multifaceted and varies significantly among individuals. In many cases, a moderate level of nervousness can serve as a powerful catalyst for success. It often drives professionals to meticulously prepare for crucial events, such as job interviews or important presentations, resulting in enhanced performance and favorable outcomes. This heightened state of alertness can sharpen cognitive functions, leading to quicker problem-solving and more creative thinking in high-pressure situations.

   However, when nervousness crosses the threshold into anxiety, it can become a substantial impediment to professional growth. Excessive nervousness may manifest as physical symptoms like trembling or sweating, which can undermine an individual’s credibility in professional settings. It can also impair decision-making processes, causing professionals to second-guess their judgments or avoid taking necessary risks. In team environments, nervousness might hinder effective collaboration by making individuals reluctant to voice their opinions or contribute innovative ideas.

   Furthermore, chronic nervousness in the workplace can lead to long-term consequences such as burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and even career stagnation. It’s crucial for professionals to develop effective coping mechanisms and for organizations to foster a supportive work environment that helps employees manage and channel their nervousness productively.”

Impact of Nervousness on Professional Life

2. Do you think modern society puts too much pressure on people, causing unnecessary nervousness?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “There’s a compelling argument to be made that modern society does indeed exert excessive pressure on individuals, often resulting in unwarranted levels of nervousness. The relentless pace of contemporary life, coupled with the constant connectivity facilitated by technology, creates an environment where people feel they need to be perpetually productive and successful. This ‘always-on’ culture can lead to a chronic state of stress and anxiety.

   Social media platforms, while beneficial in many ways, have also contributed to this pressure. They often present a curated version of reality, where people’s lives appear perfect and achievements constant. This can foster a sense of inadequacy and heightened nervousness among users who feel they’re not measuring up to these often unrealistic standards.

   Moreover, the job market’s increasing competitiveness and the rising cost of living in many parts of the world add another layer of pressure. People often feel nervous about their future financial security and career prospects, leading to a constant state of worry.

   However, it’s important to note that some degree of pressure can be motivating and productive. The challenge lies in striking a balance between healthy motivation and excessive stress. Society needs to foster environments – in workplaces, educational institutions, and social spheres – that promote well-being alongside achievement. This could involve prioritizing mental health, encouraging work-life balance, and redefining success in more holistic terms.

   Ultimately, while modern society does seem to generate unnecessary nervousness in many instances, there’s also a growing awareness of this issue. This awareness is spurring positive changes, such as the increased focus on mindfulness and mental health in many sectors, which may help mitigate these pressures in the future.”

Describe a time when you had to do something difficult often involves overcoming nervousness, making it a relevant topic to explore in conjunction with this discussion.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To trigger anxiety (phrasal verb)
   Pronunciation: /tə ˈtrɪɡər æŋˈzaɪəti/
   Definition: To cause or initiate feelings of worry or nervousness
   Example: “Public speaking often triggers anxiety in many people.”

2. To induce nervousness (phrase)
   Pronunciation: /tə ɪnˈdjuːs ˈnɜːvəsnəs/
   Definition: To bring about or cause a state of nervousness
   Example: “The anticipation of the job interview induced nervousness in the candidate.”

3. To channel nervous energy (phrase)
   Pronunciation: /tə ˈtʃænl ˈnɜːvəs ˈenədʒi/
   Definition: To direct or utilize the energy caused by nervousness in a productive way
   Example: “She learned to channel her nervous energy into thorough preparation for her presentations.”

4. To rise to the occasion (idiom)
   Pronunciation: /tə raɪz tə ði əˈkeɪʒn/
   Definition: To successfully deal with or respond to a difficult situation
   Example: “Despite his initial nervousness, he rose to the occasion and delivered an impressive speech.”

5. Multifaceted (adjective)
   Pronunciation: /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/
   Definition: Having many different aspects or features
   Example: “The influence of nervousness on professional life is multifaceted and varies among individuals.”

Key Vocabulary for Describing Nervousness in IELTS

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to emotions and experiences. Don’t just say “nervous” repeatedly; use synonyms and related phrases.

2. Provide detailed examples from your personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent narrative in English.

3. Discuss both the physical and emotional aspects of nervousness to show depth in your vocabulary and understanding.

4. Practice speaking about this topic beforehand, but avoid memorizing entire answers. Authenticity is key in the IELTS Speaking test.

5. When answering follow-up questions, try to expand on your answers and relate them to broader societal issues when appropriate.

6. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to showcase your language proficiency.

7. Maintain good fluency by speaking at a natural pace, using appropriate pauses, and avoiding long hesitations.

By following these tips and incorporating the vocabulary and sample answers provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss nervousness and related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is crucial for improving your speaking skills and building confidence.

Describe your first day at a new job or school is another topic that often involves feelings of nervousness, making it a good subject to practice alongside this one.