Public speaking is a common fear that many people face, and it’s a topic that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests. Being able to articulate your experiences with overcoming this fear can significantly boost your score. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about public speaking. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Examiner: Do you enjoy speaking in public?
Candidate: To be honest, public speaking used to terrify me. However, over time, I’ve learned to embrace the challenge. Now, while I wouldn’t say I enjoy it entirely, I definitely feel more comfortable and confident when addressing an audience. It’s been a journey of personal growth that I’m quite proud of.
Describe a time when you had to give a presentation is another common topic that relates closely to public speaking. Being prepared for such questions can help you perform better in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to overcome a fear of public speaking
You should say:
- What the occasion was
- Why you were afraid
- How you prepared for it
- And explain how you felt after the experience
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to share an experience from my final year at university when I had to deliver a crucial presentation for my thesis defense. This was a pivotal moment in my academic career, and the stakes were incredibly high.
The prospect of speaking before a panel of professors and peers filled me with dread. My fear stemmed from a combination of factors: the importance of the event, my perfectionist tendencies, and a previous embarrassing experience where I had frozen mid-speech during a class presentation.
To prepare, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. First, I thoroughly researched my topic to boost my confidence in the content. Then, I practiced relentlessly, recording myself and analyzing my delivery. I also sought feedback from friends and my thesis advisor, which helped me refine my presentation skills.
On the day of the defense, I employed several techniques to manage my nerves. I arrived early to familiarize myself with the room, did some deep breathing exercises, and visualized a successful outcome. During the presentation, I focused on making eye contact with individual panel members and speaking with passion about my research.
After the experience, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and relief. Not only had I successfully defended my thesis, but I had also conquered a significant personal fear. This experience was transformative, boosting my confidence and proving to myself that I could overcome challenges through preparation and determination.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has this experience changed your approach to public speaking?
Candidate (Band 8-9): This experience has been truly transformative for my approach to public speaking. It taught me the value of thorough preparation and the importance of managing my mindset. Now, I see each public speaking opportunity as a chance to grow and refine my skills rather than something to fear. I’ve learned to channel my nervous energy into enthusiasm for the topic, which often resonates with the audience. Moreover, I’ve developed a set of personal strategies, such as visualization and breathing techniques, that help me maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
Describe a time when you made a significant improvement in your skills is another topic where you could draw parallels to your public speaking experience, showcasing your personal growth and skill development.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the fear of public speaking is common among people in your country?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, the fear of public speaking is remarkably prevalent in my country, as it is in many parts of the world. It’s often cited as one of the most common phobias, sometimes even surpassing the fear of death in surveys. This widespread anxiety stems from various factors, including our cultural emphasis on modesty and the fear of losing face in public. Additionally, our education system, while excellent in many ways, sometimes lacks sufficient opportunities for students to practice public speaking from a young age. This can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle where people avoid public speaking due to fear, thus never gaining the experience needed to overcome that fear.
Examiner: How can schools help students overcome their fear of public speaking?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Schools can play a pivotal role in helping students conquer their fear of public speaking. Firstly, they should integrate public speaking exercises into the curriculum from an early age, normalizing the experience for children. This could involve regular show-and-tell sessions in primary schools, progressing to formal presentations and debates in secondary education.
Moreover, schools could create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than sources of embarrassment. Constructive feedback should be emphasized over criticism. Peer-to-peer learning could also be effective, with students practicing in small groups before addressing larger audiences.
Additionally, schools might consider offering specialized workshops on public speaking techniques, covering aspects like body language, voice modulation, and audience engagement. Inviting successful public speakers as guest lecturers could inspire students and provide real-world insights.
Lastly, incorporating technology, such as virtual reality simulations of public speaking scenarios, could offer a safe space for students to practice and build confidence gradually. By implementing these strategies, schools can equip students with essential communication skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional lives.
Describe a person who inspires you to be positive could be a great topic to discuss someone who has helped you overcome your fear of public speaking, connecting personal growth with inspiration from others.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal moment /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (noun phrase): A crucial or decisive point in time.
Example: Giving that speech was a pivotal moment in my career. -
To embrace the challenge /tuː ɪmˈbreɪs ðə ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ (verb phrase): To accept or welcome a difficult task enthusiastically.
Example: Instead of avoiding public speaking, I decided to embrace the challenge. -
Multi-faceted approach /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): A strategy that considers many different aspects of a problem.
Example: I used a multi-faceted approach to prepare for my presentation, including research, practice, and seeking feedback. -
To channel nervous energy /tuː ˈtʃænl ˈnɜːvəs ˈenədʒi/ (verb phrase): To direct feelings of nervousness into a more positive or productive outcome.
Example: I learned to channel my nervous energy into enthusiasm for my topic. -
Self-perpetuating cycle /ˌselfpəˈpetʃueɪtɪŋ ˈsaɪkl/ (noun phrase): A situation that causes itself to continue.
Example: Avoiding public speaking creates a self-perpetuating cycle of fear and lack of experience.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing topics like overcoming the fear of public speaking:
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Use personal anecdotes: Draw from your own experiences to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
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Demonstrate vocabulary range: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.
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Show reflection: Discuss how the experience affected you and what you learned from it, demonstrating depth of thought.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers.
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Develop your ideas: Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your main points.
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Be aware of pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation to enhance the clarity of your speech.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Describe a time when you helped someone overcome a personal challenge could be another excellent opportunity to showcase your communication skills and empathy, which are crucial in public speaking scenarios.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing challenging topics like overcoming the fear of public speaking.