Public speaking is a crucial skill that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic has been consistently featured in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future assessments. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. Do you enjoy speaking in public?
2. Have you ever given a presentation to a large group?
3. How do you feel when you have to speak in front of others?

Let’s consider how to answer the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy speaking in public?

Band 6-7 response:
“Well, to be honest, I find public speaking a bit challenging. It can be nerve-wracking to stand in front of a crowd, but I’m trying to improve. I’ve given a few presentations at university, and each time I feel a little more confident. It’s definitely a skill I want to develop further.”

Band 8-9 response:
“I’d say I have a love-hate relationship with public speaking. On one hand, it can be quite daunting to address a large audience, and I often feel a surge of adrenaline before I begin. However, I also find it incredibly rewarding when I manage to engage my listeners and convey my message effectively. I’ve been actively working on honing this skill through various opportunities at work and in my personal life, and I’ve come to appreciate the art of public speaking more and more.”

Preparing for public speaking in IELTS exam

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe A Time When You Had To Speak In Public

You should say:

• When and where it happened
• What you spoke about
• Who you spoke to
• And explain how you felt about speaking in public

Band 6-7 response:
“I remember a time when I had to give a presentation in my university class last year. It was for my marketing course, and I had to present a case study on a successful advertising campaign. There were about 30 students in the class, along with my professor. I felt quite nervous at first, but as I started speaking, I became more comfortable. I had prepared well, which helped me feel more confident. Overall, it was a good experience, and I learned a lot about public speaking from it.”

Band 8-9 response:
“I’d like to talk about a pivotal moment in my public speaking journey, which occurred during a community fundraising event last summer. The event was held in our local town hall, and I was tasked with delivering a speech to advocate for increased funding for our neighborhood’s green spaces.

The audience was quite diverse, comprising local residents, council members, and potential donors – about 200 people in total. My speech focused on the myriad benefits of urban green spaces, from improving air quality to fostering community bonds. I structured my argument around three key points: environmental impact, social cohesion, and economic benefits.

Initially, I felt a mix of trepidation and excitement. Public speaking had always been a personal challenge, but I was passionate about the cause. As I began, I focused on establishing a rapport with the audience through eye contact and modulating my voice to convey enthusiasm. To my surprise, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience of engaging with the crowd and seeing them respond to my points.

This experience was a turning point for me. It boosted my confidence significantly and sparked a genuine interest in public speaking. I realized that when you’re well-prepared and speaking about something you care about, public speaking can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience rather than a daunting task.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How did you prepare for this public speaking event?
2. What techniques did you use to engage your audience?

Band 6-7 response:

1. “I prepared by practicing my speech several times and making notes. I also asked my friends to listen to me and give feedback.”
2. “I tried to make eye contact with different people in the audience and used some hand gestures to emphasize important points.”

Band 8-9 response:

1. “My preparation was multifaceted. I began by thoroughly researching my topic, ensuring I had compelling data and relatable anecdotes to support my arguments. I then crafted a well-structured outline, focusing on creating a strong opening to captivate the audience immediately and a powerful conclusion to leave a lasting impression. I practiced extensively, not just by myself, but also in front of friends and family, soliciting constructive feedback each time. Additionally, I familiarized myself with the venue beforehand, which helped me visualize the setting and feel more at ease.”

2. “To engage the audience, I employed several techniques. Firstly, I used storytelling to make my points more relatable and memorable. I also incorporated rhetorical questions to provoke thought and maintain interest. Visual aids were strategically used to illustrate complex data. Moreover, I varied my vocal pitch, pace, and volume to add dynamism to my delivery. Lastly, I made sure to include interactive elements, such as a brief Q&A session midway through the speech, to foster active participation and keep the audience invested in the topic.”

Engaging audience with public speaking techniques

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How important do you think public speaking skills are in today’s society?

Band 6-7 response:
“I believe public speaking skills are quite important in today’s society. Many jobs require people to give presentations or speak in meetings. It’s also useful for things like giving speeches at weddings or other events. Good public speaking skills can help people communicate their ideas more effectively and make a better impression on others.”

Band 8-9 response:
“I’d argue that public speaking skills are absolutely crucial in contemporary society, perhaps more so than ever before. In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively to a wide audience is a valuable asset across various domains.

In the professional sphere, strong public speaking skills can be a significant differentiator. Whether it’s pitching to potential clients, presenting findings to colleagues, or delivering keynote speeches at industry conferences, the ability to command attention and convey information effectively can propel one’s career forward.

Moreover, in the digital age, where content creation is ubiquitous, public speaking skills translate well into creating engaging video content, podcasts, or webinars. These platforms have become integral to brand building, education, and public discourse.

On a broader societal level, effective public speakers often become influential voices in shaping public opinion and driving social change. From political leaders to activists, those who can inspire and mobilize through their words have the power to effect significant transformations.

However, it’s worth noting that the nature of public speaking is evolving. With the rise of remote work and digital communications, we’re seeing a shift towards virtual public speaking. This brings new challenges, such as maintaining audience engagement through a screen, but also new opportunities for reaching global audiences.

In essence, I believe that honing one’s public speaking skills is not just beneficial, but increasingly essential for personal, professional, and societal advancement in our modern world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Articulate (verb) /ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt/ – express thoughts or feelings fluently and coherently
   Example: “She was able to articulate her ideas clearly during the presentation.”

2. Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – attract and hold the interest and attention of
   Example: “His dynamic speaking style captivated the entire audience.”

3. Eloquent (adjective) /ˈeləkwənt/ – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing
   Example: “The eloquent speaker moved many in the audience to tears.”

4. Rhetoric (noun) /ˈretərɪk/ – the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
   Example: “His speech was a masterpiece of political rhetoric.”

5. Oratory (noun) /ˈɒrətri/ – the art or practice of formal speaking in public
   Example: “Her powerful oratory skills made her a formidable debater.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing public speaking:

1. Practice regularly: Engage in mock speaking sessions to build confidence and fluency.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific terms related to public speaking and communication.
3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points with examples and personal experiences.
4. Use a variety of structures: Incorporate complex sentences and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
5. Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your public speaking abilities.

By following these strategies and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a time when you felt very nervous but handled the situation well, which often goes hand-in-hand with public speaking experiences. Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how articulately and confidently you express yourself.