Qualifying for a speaking test—whether it's for IELTS, TOEFL, or another language proficiency exam—means demonstrating strong communication skills in English (or the test language).
Here’s how you can effectively prepare and perform in the speaking test:
A. Computer Related
Make sure your camera covers you fully. You are in the middle of the video.
Always bring a hands-free mic near your mouth when answering the Question.
Look at the camera when you answer the question.
Use the system help as a secondary source. Never prioritize the system help.
B. Body language and Style
1. Be Confident and Natural
Confidence shows you're comfortable using the language. Don’t memorize full answers—it sounds robotic.
2. Avoid Long Pauses
If you're stuck, use phrases like:
"That's an interesting question..."
"Let me think for a moment..."
3. Show Reactions to the examiner
😲 Surprise / Shock
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Really?
"Really? I had no idea that happened!" -
You’re kidding!
"You’re kidding! He actually won the competition?" -
No way!
"No way! I can't believe she said that." -
That’s unbelievable!
"That’s unbelievable! What a twist."
😀 Happiness / Excitement
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That’s great!
"That’s great! Congratulations on the promotion." -
I’m so happy for you!
"I’m so happy for you! You deserve it." -
Awesome!
"Awesome! Let’s celebrate." -
I can’t wait!
"I can’t wait for the trip next week!"
😟 Worry / Concern
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I’m a bit worried...
"I’m a bit worried about the deadline." -
That sounds serious.
"That sounds serious. Have you talked to someone about it?" -
Oh no...
"Oh no, I hope everything’s okay."
😔 Sadness / Disappointment
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That’s too bad.
"That’s too bad. Maybe next time." -
I’m sorry to hear that.
"I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get the job." -
What a shame.
"What a shame. It looked like a great opportunity."
😠 Anger / Annoyance
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That’s not fair.
"That’s not fair! I worked just as hard." -
I can’t believe this!
"I can’t believe this! Why would they do that?" -
This is so frustrating.
"This is so frustrating. Nothing is working!"
😐 Neutral / Agreeing Politely
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I see.
"I see. Thanks for explaining." -
That makes sense.
"That makes sense. I hadn’t thought about it that way." -
I understand.
"I understand. Let’s figure it out."
5. Practice Common Topics
Prepare answers for topics like:
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Family
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Education
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Hobbies
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Environment
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Technology
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Travel
6. Think in English
Train your brain to think in English instead of translating from your native language.
🧠 1. Start Small: Use English for Simple Thoughts
Begin with basic daily things:
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“I am brushing my teeth.”
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“What should I eat?”
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“It’s hot outside.”
Think about what you’re doing as you do it, but in English.
📝 2. Describe Things Around You
Wherever you are, mentally describe:
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Objects: “This table is wooden and smooth.”
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People: “She’s wearing a blue dress.”
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Feelings: “I feel tired but focused.”
This builds vocabulary naturally and keeps your brain in English mode.
💭 3. Use an “English Voice in Your Head”
Instead of translating from your native language, try to form thoughts directly in English:
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Ask yourself: “What would a native speaker say?”
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Keep it simple at first—don't worry about perfect grammar.
🗣️ 4. Speak to Yourself (Yes, really!)
Practice out loud:
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“I’m going to the store.”
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“Today was stressful, but I finished everything.”
This helps build fluency and confidence. If you're shy, do it in your room or quietly like a whisper.
📔 5. Keep an English Journal
Write 4–5 lines daily about your day:
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“Today, I worked on pending cases at the tribunal. It was hectic but satisfying.”
It improves thinking, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
🎧 6. Surround Yourself with English
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Watch shows, movies, and YouTube videos in English.
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Listen to English podcasts and songs.
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Try to understand without subtitles sometimes.
This builds a natural rhythm in your brain.
🧩 7. Learn Whole Phrases, Not Just Words
Instead of memorizing single words, learn chunks:
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“I’d rather not.”
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“That sounds interesting.”
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“Let me think about it.”
These help you speak faster and more naturally.
⏱️ 8. Give Yourself “English Time” Daily
Set aside 10–15 minutes each day for pure English thinking:
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Reflect on your day.
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Plan tomorrow.
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Talk to yourself or imagine a conversation.
Bonus Tip:
Don't worry about mistakes. The goal is fluency, not perfection.
C. Record Yourself at home Multiple times.
Listen to your recordings and note:
Clarity
Hesitation
Mistakes
D. Learning Online from videos
BBC Learning English
This channel provides a wide range of videos covering everyday conversations, pronunciation tips, and speaking practice, all presented by experienced educators.
English Addict with Mr Steve
Mr. Steve offers live lessons focusing on various aspects of English, including pronunciation, vocabulary, and common expressions, aimed at boosting your speaking confidence.
Speak English with Vanessa
Vanessa focuses on helping learners speak English naturally through lessons on common phrases, pronunciation, and conversation practice.
English with Lucy
Lucy Bella Earl provides lessons on pronunciation, vocabulary, and speaking techniques to help learners sound more natural and confident.
Bilingirl Chika
Chika offers engaging English lessons, cultural insights, and practical conversation tips, making learning both effective and enjoyable.
Tips for Learning Speaking Skills from Videos:
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Active Participation: Pause the video and repeat phrases to practice pronunciation and intonation.
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Shadowing Technique: Listen to a sentence and then try to repeat it simultaneously with the speaker to improve fluency.
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Consistent Practice: Dedicate specific time daily to watch and practice speaking with these videos.
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Record Yourself: Recording your speech can help you self-evaluate and identify areas for improvement.
By regularly engaging with these resources and actively practicing, you'll enhance your English speaking skills and gain greater confidence in conversations.
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