As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked by my students: “Do we have to maintain eye contact in the IELTS Speaking test?”. It’s a valid question because non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in how we are perceived, especially in an exam setting.
The Importance of Natural and Engaging Communication
While the IELTS Speaking band descriptors don’t explicitly mention “eye contact,” they emphasize “fluency and coherence,” “lexical resource,” and “grammatical range and accuracy.” These criteria point towards a natural and engaging communication style, and eye contact contributes significantly to that.
Why Eye Contact Matters
Think about it: when someone avoids looking at you while speaking, it can be interpreted as nervousness, disinterest, or even dishonesty. Conversely, maintaining appropriate eye contact demonstrates confidence, engagement, and a genuine desire to connect with the listener (in this case, the examiner).
Striking a Balance
However, this doesn’t mean staring intensely at the examiner throughout the test! That can be just as uncomfortable as avoiding eye contact altogether. The key is to aim for a natural balance:
- Make eye contact when:
- You greet the examiner.
- You listen to a question.
- You provide thoughtful responses.
- You emphasize a point.
- It’s natural to briefly glance away when:
- You’re recalling information.
- You’re formulating a complex sentence.
- You’re pausing for thought.
ielts speaking test eye contact
Practical Tips for the IELTS Speaking Test
Here are some practical ways to incorporate effective eye contact into your IELTS Speaking performance:
- Practice with a Partner: Record yourself during mock speaking tests to observe your body language, including eye contact.
- Imagine a Conversation: Instead of treating it as a formal test, imagine you’re having a genuine conversation with the examiner.
- Focus on the Triangle Area: Imagine a triangle formed by the examiner’s eyes and mouth. Shifting your gaze naturally within this area can feel more comfortable than direct eye contact.
Example Scenario
Let’s say the examiner asks you: “What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?”
Don’t: Stammer a response while staring at your shoes.
Do: Make eye contact, smile, and say something like: “I’m a big fan of [your preferred music genre]. I find it [explain why you enjoy it].”
Conclusion
To sum up, while not a direct scoring criterion, maintaining natural and engaging eye contact in your IELTS Speaking test can significantly enhance your overall communication style, showcasing your confidence and fluency to the examiner. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance that feels authentic and comfortable for you. Good luck!
