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

Introduction and Common Questions

Describing a time when you felt nervous before doing something important is a frequent 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 significant events. Given its relevance to everyday life, this topic is likely to remain popular in future IELTS exams.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner might ask questions like:

1. Do you often feel nervous?
2. What situations make you feel nervous?
3. How do you deal with nervousness?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you often feel nervous?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, I wouldn’t say I feel nervous very often, but it does happen sometimes, especially before important events like exams or job interviews. I think it’s quite normal to feel a bit anxious in those situations.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be honest, I’m not particularly prone to nervousness, but I do experience it occasionally, particularly when faced with high-stakes situations such as crucial presentations or significant life changes. I find that a certain level of nervousness can actually be beneficial, as it keeps me alert and focused on the task at hand.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt nervous before doing something important.

You should say:

• What the important event was
• Why you felt nervous
• How you dealt with your nervousness
• And explain the outcome of the event

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to share an experience that stands out in my mind when it comes to feeling nervous before an important event. It was the day of my final presentation for my master’s degree, a culmination of two years of intense study and research.

The presentation was crucial because it accounted for a significant portion of my final grade and would be attended by a panel of professors, including some renowned experts in my field. The gravity of the situation certainly contributed to my nervousness. I felt the weight of expectation, not just from my professors but also from myself, as I wanted to prove that I had truly mastered the subject matter.

To manage my nervousness, I employed several strategies. Firstly, I practiced my presentation numerous times, both alone and in front of friends, to build my confidence and iron out any kinks in my delivery. I also used deep breathing exercises and positive visualization techniques to calm my nerves on the day of the presentation. Additionally, I arrived at the venue early to familiarize myself with the surroundings, which helped me feel more in control.

The outcome was remarkably positive. Once I started speaking, my nervousness began to dissipate, and I found myself fully engrossed in the subject matter. The panel seemed genuinely interested in my research, asking thought-provoking questions that led to a stimulating discussion. In the end, I received excellent feedback and a top grade for my presentation.

This experience taught me that nervousness, when channeled correctly, can actually enhance performance by sharpening focus and increasing adrenaline. It also reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and self-care strategies in managing pre-event anxiety.”

Student preparing for important presentation

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this experience change your approach to future important events?
2. Do you think nervousness before important events is always a negative thing?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly transformative in shaping my approach to significant events. It taught me the invaluable lesson that proper preparation is key to managing nervousness. Now, I make it a point to start preparing well in advance, breaking down the task into manageable chunks and practicing consistently. Moreover, I’ve incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises into my daily routine, which has significantly improved my ability to stay calm under pressure. I’ve also learned to reframe my perspective on nervousness, viewing it as a natural response that can be harnessed to enhance performance rather than hinder it. This shift in mindset has been crucial in boosting my confidence and performance in subsequent important events.”

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“I don’t believe nervousness before important events is inherently negative. In fact, I’ve come to appreciate it as a natural and potentially beneficial response. A moderate level of nervousness can serve as a motivator, pushing us to prepare more thoroughly and perform at our best. It heightens our senses and sharpens our focus, which can be advantageous in high-pressure situations. The key lies in managing this nervous energy effectively, channeling it into productive actions rather than allowing it to become debilitating. Of course, excessive nervousness can be counterproductive, but when kept in check, it can actually enhance our performance and help us rise to the occasion. It’s all about striking the right balance and developing strategies to harness this nervous energy positively.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people nowadays experience more stress and nervousness compared to previous generations?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe people today do face more stress and nervousness than before. Our lives are busier now, with more responsibilities and pressures from work and society. Technology also plays a role, as we’re always connected and expected to respond quickly. However, I think we’re also more aware of mental health issues and have better resources to deal with stress.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“It’s a complex issue, but I’m inclined to believe that contemporary society does indeed grapple with heightened levels of stress and nervousness compared to previous generations. This can be attributed to a multitude of factors. The rapid pace of technological advancement and societal change has created a more dynamic but also more uncertain environment. We’re constantly bombarded with information and expected to adapt quickly to new situations, which can be inherently stressful. Moreover, the rise of social media has introduced new pressures related to self-image and constant comparison with others.

However, it’s crucial to note that this increase in stress is not necessarily entirely negative. Our awareness of mental health issues has grown substantially, leading to more open discussions and better support systems. We now have access to a wide array of stress management techniques and resources that weren’t available to previous generations.

Additionally, the nature of stress has shifted. While our ancestors may have faced more immediate, survival-related stressors, we now deal with more chronic, low-level stress related to work, finances, and social pressures. It’s a different kind of challenge that requires different coping mechanisms.

Ultimately, while the stressors may have increased, so too have our tools for managing them. The key lies in recognizing these stressors and actively developing strategies to maintain our mental well-being in this fast-paced world.”

Person overwhelmed by technology and notifications

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culmination /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ (noun): The highest or climactic point of something.
   Example: “The presentation was the culmination of years of research.”

2. Iron out (phrasal verb): To resolve or eliminate problems or difficulties.
   Example: “I practiced several times to iron out any issues in my delivery.”

3. Dissipate /ˈdɪsɪpeɪt/ (verb): To disappear or cause to disappear.
   Example: “My nervousness began to dissipate as I started speaking.”

4. Channel /ˈtʃænl/ (verb): To direct towards a particular end or object.
   Example: “I learned to channel my nervousness into positive energy.”

5. Debilitating /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making someone very weak and infirm.
   Example: “Excessive stress can have a debilitating effect on performance.”

6. Grapple with (phrasal verb): To struggle or contend with.
   Example: “Modern society grapples with increased levels of stress.”

7. Multitude /ˈmʌltɪtjuːd/ (noun): A large number of people or things.
   Example: “Stress can be attributed to a multitude of factors.”

8. Chronic /ˈkrɒnɪk/ (adjective): Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
   Example: “We now deal with more chronic, low-level stress in our daily lives.”

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a variety of vocabulary to describe emotions and experiences. Don’t just rely on words like “nervous” or “anxious” – expand your lexicon with terms like “apprehensive,” “jittery,” or “on edge.”

2. Provide specific examples and details to make your answers more vivid and engaging. This demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent narrative.

3. Use a range of tenses accurately to describe past experiences, present feelings, and future implications.

4. Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses, such as “butterflies in my stomach” or “to be on pins and needles.”

5. Practice speaking about your experiences fluently and coherently. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

6. Reflect on the causes and effects of your nervousness, showing depth of thought and analytical skills.

7. Discuss coping strategies you’ve used, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and self-awareness.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a time when you made a significant improvement in your skills or handling a difficult conversation. These topics can provide additional context for discussing challenging situations and personal growth.