The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including times when you felt nervous but managed to stay calm. This topic is popular among examiners as it allows them to assess your ability to describe emotions, situations, and coping mechanisms in English. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your score.

Describe a crowded place you often visit can also be a nerve-wracking experience for some, so the strategies we’ll discuss can be applied to various speaking topics.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nervousness and staying calm. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you often feel nervous?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“To be honest, I wouldn’t say I feel nervous very often. However, like most people, I do experience nervousness in certain situations, particularly when I’m facing something new or challenging. For instance, public speaking or job interviews can sometimes make me feel a bit on edge. But I’ve learned to manage these feelings over time through various techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Felt Nervous But Stayed Calm
You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you felt nervous
• How you managed to stay calm
• And explain how you felt afterwards

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience from last year when I had to give a presentation at a major conference in my field. It was a significant opportunity for my career, and I was selected to represent my company in front of industry leaders and potential clients.

The situation was particularly nerve-wracking because it was my first time speaking at such a high-profile event. I felt an immense pressure to perform well, not just for myself but for my entire team. The thought of standing on stage in front of hundreds of experts made my heart race and my palms sweat.

Despite feeling incredibly nervous, I managed to stay calm through a combination of preparation and mindfulness techniques. In the weeks leading up to the event, I rehearsed my presentation countless times, ensuring I knew the content inside out. This thorough preparation gave me a sense of confidence in my material.

On the day of the presentation, I arrived early to familiarize myself with the venue and do some final preparations. Just before going on stage, I practiced deep breathing exercises and positive visualization. I imagined myself delivering the presentation successfully, which helped calm my nerves.

During the presentation, I focused on maintaining a steady pace and making eye contact with audience members. Whenever I felt a wave of nervousness, I would take a brief pause, take a deep breath, and continue. This technique helped me remain composed throughout the talk.

After the presentation, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment. The positive feedback I received from attendees and colleagues boosted my confidence significantly. This experience taught me that with proper preparation and the right mindset, it’s possible to overcome nervousness and perform well under pressure. It was a pivotal moment in my professional development, and I now feel much more confident when facing similar situations.”

Nervous presenter giving speech at conference

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think people can learn to manage their nervousness better?
2. Do you think some professions require people to be better at handling nervous situations?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “I believe people can improve their ability to manage nervousness through various methods. Firstly, exposure therapy can be incredibly effective – gradually putting oneself in mildly stressful situations and building up tolerance over time. Additionally, learning and practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or progressive muscle relaxation can provide valuable tools for managing anxiety. It’s also crucial to work on building self-confidence through positive self-talk and celebrating small victories. Lastly, thorough preparation for potentially stressful situations can significantly reduce nervousness by increasing one’s sense of control and readiness.”

2. “Absolutely, certain professions inherently involve high-pressure situations that require excellent nerve management. For instance, emergency service workers like paramedics or firefighters must remain calm in life-or-death scenarios. Similarly, pilots need to maintain composure during unexpected situations mid-flight. In the corporate world, executives and public relations professionals often face intense scrutiny and must handle high-stakes negotiations or media interactions with grace under pressure. Performers, athletes, and public speakers also need to excel at managing stage fright or pre-performance jitters. These professions often attract individuals who are naturally good at staying calm under pressure, but they also provide extensive training to further develop these skills.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples with suggested answers:

Question 1: Do you think modern life is making people more nervous? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I do believe that modern life has introduced new sources of stress and anxiety for many people. The constant connectivity through smartphones and social media can lead to information overload and social pressure. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of many jobs and the increasing economic uncertainty in many parts of the world can contribute to feelings of nervousness.

However, it’s important to note that modern life has also brought advancements that can help manage stress, such as improved mental health awareness, access to relaxation apps, and flexible work arrangements. So while there might be more potential triggers for nervousness, we also have more tools at our disposal to cope with these feelings.”

Question 2: How can schools help students manage their nervousness, especially during exams?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Schools can play a crucial role in helping students manage exam-related nervousness through various strategies. Firstly, implementing a comprehensive stress management program as part of the curriculum could be beneficial. This could include teaching relaxation techniques, time management skills, and positive self-talk.

Additionally, schools could focus on creating a supportive environment that emphasizes learning over perfect test scores. This might involve providing constructive feedback, celebrating effort and progress, and offering multiple assessment methods to cater to different learning styles.

Another effective approach could be organizing mock exams or practice sessions to familiarize students with the test environment and reduce anxiety associated with the unknown. Schools could also consider providing access to counseling services for students who struggle with severe test anxiety.

Lastly, educating parents about how to support their children during exam periods could be valuable. This might include guidance on creating a stress-free home environment and how to offer emotional support without adding pressure.

By implementing these strategies, schools can help students develop resilience and coping mechanisms that will serve them well beyond their academic careers, preparing them for various challenging situations in life.”

Students practicing relaxation techniques in classroom

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. To keep one’s composure /kəmˈpəʊʒə/ (phrase) – to stay calm and in control of your emotions
   Example: “Despite the pressure, she managed to keep her composure throughout the interview.”

2. To cope with /kəʊp wɪð/ (phrasal verb) – to deal successfully with a difficult situation
   Example: “Learning effective strategies to cope with stress is essential in today’s fast-paced world.”

3. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Building resilience can help you handle nervous situations more effectively.”

4. To mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb) – to make less severe, serious, or painful
   Example: “Deep breathing exercises can help mitigate feelings of anxiety before a big presentation.”

5. Unflappable /ʌnˈflæpəbl/ (adjective) – not easily upset or confused, especially in a stressful situation
   Example: “Her unflappable demeanor during the crisis impressed everyone in the office.”

Describe a time when you traveled to a new place alone can also be an opportunity to showcase your ability to handle potentially nerve-wracking situations calmly.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing nervous experiences:

1. Use a range of vocabulary related to emotions and coping mechanisms. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to discuss complex topics.

2. Provide specific examples from your personal experience. This adds authenticity to your answers and shows your ability to relate the topic to real-life situations.

3. Structure your answers clearly, especially in Part 2. Use discourse markers to organize your thoughts and guide the listener through your narrative.

4. Show reflection and analysis in your responses, particularly in Part 3. Discuss the broader implications of nervousness in society or different contexts.

5. Practice describing emotions and situations regularly. This will help you become more comfortable and fluent when discussing these topics during the test.

6. Stay engaged and maintain eye contact with the examiner. This demonstrates confidence and good communication skills, even when discussing potentially uncomfortable topics.

By following these strategies and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing times you felt nervous but stayed calm.