Public speaking can be daunting, especially when faced with a large audience. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe such an experience. This topic is quite common in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and has appeared in past exams. It’s likely to remain relevant in future tests as well. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and score high marks.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about public speaking or presentations. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you enjoy giving presentations?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say I have mixed feelings about giving presentations. While I sometimes get nervous, I also find them rewarding when they go well. I think presentations are a good way to share information and improve my communication skills.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with presentations. On one hand, the prospect of speaking in front of a large group can be quite nerve-wracking. However, I find the challenge exhilarating, especially when I manage to engage the audience and convey my message effectively. It’s a great opportunity to hone my public speaking skills and boost my confidence.”

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a time when you gave a presentation in front of a large group
You should say:

• What the presentation was about
• Where and when you gave it
• Who was in the audience
• How you felt about giving the presentation

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

“I remember giving a presentation about environmental conservation at my university last year. It was part of a student conference on sustainability. The audience was mostly students and some professors, about 100 people in total. I felt quite nervous at first because it was my first time speaking to such a large group. I had prepared well, though, so once I started talking, I felt more confident. I used some slides to show statistics and images, which helped me stay on track. Overall, it was a challenging but rewarding experience, and I learned a lot about public speaking from it.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to share my experience of delivering a thought-provoking presentation on the implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare at a prestigious medical conference last summer. The event took place in a state-of-the-art auditorium at the National Medical Center, with an audience of over 300 people, including eminent physicians, medical researchers, and healthcare policymakers.

Initially, I felt a mix of trepidation and excitement. The gravity of the topic and the distinguished audience were somewhat intimidating, but I was also thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to such a critical dialogue. To manage my nerves, I employed several relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and positive visualization.

As I began my presentation, I focused on establishing a rapport with the audience through eye contact and a conversational tone. I structured my talk around three key points, using a combination of compelling statistics, case studies, and future projections to illustrate my arguments. I also incorporated interactive elements, such as real-time polling, to keep the audience engaged.

What truly set this experience apart was the lively Q&A session that followed. The insightful questions and robust discussions that ensued were immensely gratifying, as they indicated that my presentation had resonated with the audience and sparked meaningful dialogue.

In retrospect, this presentation was a pivotal moment in my academic career. It not only bolstered my confidence as a public speaker but also opened doors to collaborative research opportunities. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication in driving scientific progress and shaping healthcare policies.”

medical conference presentation

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you prepare for the presentation?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I spent several weeks researching the topic and organizing my main points. I practiced my speech multiple times and asked my friends to listen and give feedback.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“My preparation was meticulous and multi-faceted. I began by conducting extensive research, drawing from peer-reviewed journals and expert opinions. I then crafted a compelling narrative around my key points, ensuring a logical flow of information. To enhance my delivery, I rehearsed extensively, both alone and in front of critical audiences, incorporating their feedback to refine my presentation. I also familiarized myself with the venue’s audiovisual setup to preempt any technical issues.”

2. What challenges did you face during the presentation?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The main challenge was managing my nervousness. I also had to deal with a technical issue when one of my slides didn’t load properly.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The primary challenge was maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout the presentation, given the complex nature of the topic. I overcame this by interspersing technical information with relatable anecdotes and thought-provoking questions. Additionally, I faced an unexpected technical glitch with the microphone, which I handled calmly by switching to a backup while continuing to speak, demonstrating my ability to adapt under pressure.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How important do you think presentation skills are in today’s workplace?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe presentation skills are very important in today’s workplace. Many jobs require employees to give presentations to colleagues or clients. Good presentation skills can help people communicate their ideas clearly and persuade others. They can also boost a person’s confidence and career prospects.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, presentation skills are absolutely crucial in the contemporary professional landscape. They’re not just about standing in front of an audience and delivering information; they encompass a range of vital competencies.

Firstly, strong presentation skills reflect an individual’s ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it effectively to diverse audiences. This is invaluable in an era where cross-functional collaboration is increasingly common.

Moreover, in our data-driven world, the ability to present analytics and insights compellingly can significantly influence decision-making processes within organizations. Presentations often serve as a platform for innovation, allowing individuals to pitch new ideas and drive organizational change.

Furthermore, in the context of remote work and digital communication, the importance of these skills has been amplified. The ability to engage an audience virtually, maintain their attention, and convey messages clearly through digital platforms has become a highly sought-after skill.

Lastly, strong presentation skills often correlate with leadership potential. They demonstrate an individual’s capacity to inspire, persuade, and rally others around a shared vision – all of which are quintessential leadership qualities.

In essence, I’d argue that proficiency in presentations is not just important, but indispensable in navigating and excelling in today’s dynamic and competitive workplace.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Thought-provoking /θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/ (adjective): Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
   Example: “The speaker posed thought-provoking questions about the future of AI.”

2. Eminent /ˈemɪnənt/ (adjective): Famous and respected within a particular sphere.
   Example: “The conference was attended by eminent scholars from around the world.”

3. Trepidation /ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃn/ (noun): A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.
   Example: “Despite my trepidation, I knew I had to face the audience.”

4. Rapport /ræˈpɔː(r)/ (noun): A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well.
   Example: “The presenter quickly established a rapport with the audience through humor and relatability.”

5. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “This presentation was a pivotal moment in my career, opening up new opportunities.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a presentation experience:

1. Structure your answer clearly, covering all points in the cue card.
2. Use a range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
3. Demonstrate complex grammar structures while maintaining accuracy.
4. Elaborate on your points with specific details and examples.
5. Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
6. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
7. Stay calm during the test – remember, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect!