How to Ace IELTS Speaking: Discussing a Time You Felt Very Confident

Talking about a time you felt very confident is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to describe personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. Understanding how to approach this topic effectively can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high band score. Let’s explore strategies to excel in discussing confidence during your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about confidence. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you consider yourself a confident person?

Answer: Generally speaking, I’d say I’m fairly confident in most situations. However, like everyone, I have moments of self-doubt from time to time. I find that my confidence grows when I’m well-prepared or when I’m in familiar territory, such as discussing topics I’m passionate about or performing tasks I’ve practiced extensively.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to confidence:

Describe a time when you felt very confident

You should say:

• What the situation was
• When and where it happened
• What you did
• And explain why you felt so confident

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about a time when I felt extremely confident, which was during a presentation I gave at a university conference last year.

The situation was an annual academic conference held at my university, where students from various departments were invited to present their research projects. It took place in the main auditorium, a venue that can seat about 300 people, and my presentation was scheduled for the second day of the three-day event.

My task was to present the findings of a research project I had been working on for the past six months. The topic was the impact of social media on mental health among young adults, which is an area I’m particularly passionate about.

I felt incredibly confident for several reasons. Firstly, I had meticulously prepared for this presentation. I spent weeks analyzing my data, crafting a compelling narrative, and designing visually appealing slides. I had rehearsed my speech countless times, timing it perfectly to fit the 15-minute slot I was allocated.

Secondly, I was genuinely excited about sharing my findings. The research had yielded some fascinating insights, and I was eager to contribute to the academic discourse on this important topic.

Lastly, I had received positive feedback from my supervisor during my practice runs, which boosted my self-assurance. She had praised my clear communication style and the logical flow of my presentation.

As I stood on the stage, facing the audience, I felt a surge of confidence. My thorough preparation, combined with my passion for the subject and the support I had received, made me feel well-equipped to deliver an impactful presentation. This confidence translated into a smooth delivery, and I was able to engage the audience effectively, even during the Q&A session that followed.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of thorough preparation and genuine enthusiasm in building confidence. It was a defining moment that has continued to influence my approach to public speaking and academic pursuits.

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to future presentations?
2. Do you think confidence always leads to success?

Sample Answers:

1. This experience significantly impacted my approach to future presentations. It reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and made me realize that confidence often stems from being well-prepared. Now, I always ensure I have a deep understanding of my topic and practice extensively before any presentation. Additionally, I’ve learned to channel my nervousness into positive energy, focusing on my excitement to share knowledge rather than worrying about potential mistakes.

2. While confidence is certainly a valuable asset, I don’t believe it always guarantees success. Overconfidence can sometimes lead to complacency or underestimation of challenges. I think the key is to strike a balance between confidence and humility. Confidence should be backed by competence and preparation. It’s also important to remain open to feedback and continuous learning, even when feeling confident. Success often comes from a combination of confidence, skill, hard work, and adaptability.

Confident presenter giving a speech

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to confidence. Here’s a sample dialogue:

Examiner: Do you think confidence is something people are born with or can it be developed?

Candidate: I firmly believe that confidence is a trait that can be developed over time, rather than something we’re inherently born with. While it’s true that some individuals may naturally appear more confident due to their upbringing or early experiences, I think confidence is largely a skill that can be honed through practice and positive experiences.

There are various ways people can build their confidence. For instance, setting and achieving small goals can gradually boost one’s self-assurance. Additionally, developing expertise in a particular area often leads to increased confidence when dealing with related tasks or discussions. Positive self-talk and reframing negative thoughts can also play a crucial role in building confidence.

Moreover, I believe that exposing oneself to new challenges and learning from failures are essential steps in developing confidence. Each time we step out of our comfort zone and succeed, or even if we fail but learn from the experience, we’re building our confidence muscle.

It’s also worth noting that confidence can be context-specific. Someone might be very confident in their professional life but less so in social situations, or vice versa. This further supports the idea that confidence can be developed, as people can work on building it in specific areas of their lives where they feel it’s lacking.

Examiner: How important do you think confidence is in the workplace?

Candidate: I believe confidence plays a crucial role in the workplace and can significantly impact an individual’s career trajectory. A confident employee is more likely to take initiative, share ideas, and contribute actively to discussions, which can lead to innovation and problem-solving within the organization.

Confidence often translates into better communication skills, allowing employees to express their thoughts clearly and assertively. This is particularly important in leadership roles, where the ability to inspire and motivate others is key.

Moreover, confident individuals tend to handle challenges and setbacks more effectively. They’re more likely to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable problems. This resilience is highly valued in most workplace environments.

However, it’s important to strike a balance between confidence and humility. Overconfidence can sometimes be perceived as arrogance, which can harm workplace relationships. The most effective employees are those who are confident in their abilities but also open to feedback and continuous learning.

Additionally, confidence can be contagious in a work environment. When team members display confidence, it can boost overall morale and create a more positive and productive atmosphere.

That being said, it’s crucial for employers to create an environment that nurtures confidence in all employees, regardless of their natural predisposition. This might involve providing opportunities for skill development, offering constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Meticulously prepared /məˈtɪkjələsli prɪˈpeəd/ (adverb + verb): Carefully and thoroughly prepared.
   Example: I meticulously prepared for the job interview, researching the company extensively.

2. Craft a compelling narrative /krɑːft ə kəmˈpelɪŋ ˈnærətɪv/ (verb phrase): To create an engaging and persuasive story or explanation.
   Example: The author crafted a compelling narrative that kept readers engaged throughout the novel.

3. Boost self-assurance /buːst self-əˈʃʊərəns/ (verb phrase): To increase confidence in oneself.
   Example: Receiving positive feedback from my mentor really boosted my self-assurance.

4. Channel nervousness into positive energy /ˈtʃænl ˈnɜːvəsnəs ˈɪntuː ˈpɒzətɪv ˈenədʒi/ (idiom): To transform anxiety into enthusiasm or motivation.
   Example: Before the performance, I learned to channel my nervousness into positive energy, which improved my stage presence.

5. Strike a balance /straɪk ə ˈbæləns/ (idiom): To find a compromise between two extremes.
   Example: It’s important to strike a balance between work and personal life for overall well-being.

6. Step out of one’s comfort zone /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom): To do something that is outside of one’s familiar routine or habits.
   Example: Learning a new language was challenging, but stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow personally and professionally.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing confidence:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples to support your points, as this adds depth to your responses.
3. Practice speaking about personal experiences related to confidence to improve fluency and coherence.
4. Develop your ideas fully, especially in Parts 2 and 3, to showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
5. Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation, as these contribute to your overall speaking score.
6. Stay engaged with the examiner and maintain a natural conversation flow throughout the test.

Remember, confidence in your English speaking abilities is key to performing well in the IELTS Speaking test. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the exam.

For more tips on tackling other IELTS Speaking topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• How to Describe a Time You Received Valuable Feedback in IELTS Speaking
• How to Describe a Time You Felt Satisfied with Your Work in IELTS Speaking

By following these strategies and continuously improving your English skills, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss confidence and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test with ease and assurance.