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How can I deal with nervousness in the IELTS speaking test?

by David

Nerves in the IELTS Speaking Test

Nerves in the IELTS Speaking Test

I had my IELTS test today and everything went fine until speaking task.

The other tasks were simple and also during my private tuition I used to be very good in speaking as well as in the rest of the test. But not in the exam room.

When I saw the examiner I became stuck, trembled and didn't know what to say. My mind suddenly became blank. No ideas, no words were coming out of it. I did it very bad, repeated some grammar mistakes being very frustrated and unconscious, repeated words, even if I read a lot and I got a huge amount of words in my head, I was very stressed and scared and this feeling was so intense that I even started to feel pain in my liver and stomach.

I don't know what to do, I am prepared for this exam, but I can't control my emotions. I know what to do when I'm not prepared enough, but there are no lessons for this.

I need 6 for college and my future depends on my IELTS mark, I got a few more times to sit the test again, but if I repeat this, it will be useless. I would incline to say I didn't take a 6, but who knows. At least I spoken much to cover that time and didn't paused my speech.

Bad parts went like this:

"What country would you like to visit?"

"I would like to visit England, to enjoy the sightseeings, to see London as I am following to studying at college there ... (i don't remember what i said here)".

After 40 seconds I stopped and the examiner waved her hand to suggest me to continue and I said:

"I would also like to see the southern part of the England, for the sightseeings, landscapes, beaches, ... ".

I wanted to say "I am looking forward to studying", but I messed it up, and worse than that, I repeated that and some other words. The other questions went better, but some inaccuracies and misuses occured, too.

I find myself between 5 and 6, analyzing the meaning of these marks from the IELTS 10 official book and I hope the examiners won't be harsh on me.

I will move to UK and improve my speaking spending the rest of my life there, but until that, I have to control my anxiety and do something about it.

What do you think?

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Sep 27, 2015
 Stressed and scared in the IELTS Speaking
by: IELTS buddy

Hi David,

Sorry to hear it did not seem to go that well.

However, often when we are nervous, it seems very obvious to us, but not always to other people so it may not have been as bad as you think.

Also, the examiner will expect some nerves - most people are usually a bit nervous in that situation.

So next time, remember that the examiner will have seen lots of nervous people so try not to think that you are suffering worse than others. The examiner will be focusing on what you have to say rather than how you are looking.

I wouldn't waste too much time going over every detail of what you said in the test - it is really difficult to try and work out how well you did.

Of course you should think where you have have gone wrong and think about what you can do to improve it. For example, if you did not speak for the full 2 minutes in part 2, then you need to think about what strategies you can use extend your response.

Also, you say "I spoken much to cover that time and didn't paused my speech" - if this is the case then it may be better than you think.

It will hopefully get easier anyway if you take the test again.

Good luck whatever happens.

Maybe some other people who read this post can give you some advice about dealing with nerves in the IELTS speaking test.
Nov 06, 2015
 Nerves in IELTS Speaking Test - Been there
by: Anonymous

I was also today in the speaking test. This was my second time. I guess it went a bit better than previously but I still sensed that nervousness in me while I was trying to make my performance. I tend to find speaking as my strength what comes to using English language but obviously in IELTS it seems to be my stumbling block. And mainly, I think it is because of the nervousness. I have been always such a tensed person when I'm having a presentation or otherwise if I need to talk in front of many people.

The only way to deal with this seems to be just keep on having those presentations. You need to keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Eventually, it will get better. Rare of us feels totally confident while giving a performance to others but it is surely something you can practice on. At least, I have started to cope with my nerves by keeping different kinds of presentations. I just take a deep breath and convince myself that everything is alright and then I just do it. The most important is that you don't run away.
Nov 27, 2019
 IELTS SPECIAL ONLINE CLASSES
by: Emmanuella

I was not so good at speaking,however over the years I have practiced and also gained some useful speaking skills.If you find it difficult to relate with the examiner or answer to impromptu questions,kindly contact me via email at elladan4real@yahoo.com or WhatsApp +2347050615323.

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Nervous in the IELTS Speaking Test

by sajjad
(karachi)

Hello,

Today I appeared in the speaking test.

Well, when I entered the test room I was nervous. I lost my fluency a bit because of nervousness, though I did give correct answers in section 1 and didn't stuck in section 2, I gave all the answers except the one in the end where I got stuck.

I didn't know what to say about it and I was bit nervous in whole test.

What do u think guys will be the effect of not answering and being nervous in the test?

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Nov 01, 2015
 Being nervous in the IELTS test
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

It is not possible to tell you how that will affect your score without hearing the test.

One of the criteria you get judged on is your 'fluency', so if your fluency was affected, it could of course affect your score.

But as I said, it is impossible to know if it was affected or not.

The same with not answering a couple of the questions well - if you answered most of them fine as you say, it may not make much difference. You are graded on your performance over the whole test.

Good luck
Nov 01, 2015
 Improve all IELTS skills.
by: Naseebullah

Dear sir,
I am very in two module like listening and reading.Please help me all those people who are interested to talk by Skype.This is my Skype id,Naseebullah.khan473.waiting of your reply.
Nov 02, 2015
 Speaking
by: Anonymous

Hi, even I had the same problem last week.
I got nervous waiting more than an hour for my turn and I fumbled quite a bit in task 2. I will get my results on 13 Nov. Let's see what I will get.
Nov 05, 2015
 All the best for your Result
by: Anonymous

Hi Guys,

please share your result that will help Us.

Wish you Goodluck...
Nov 05, 2015
 Just advice
by: Anonymous

I don't know how it feels like when you get there? But I think you have to prepare yourself about everything. I think just try to smile at the examiner that makes him being more flexible & more comfortable.
Dec 09, 2015
 I misinterpreted 1-2 Questoins and got nervous
by: Anonymous

hello everyone.. i took my ielts speaking test yesterday and I misinterpreted some questions and answered otherwise..but i must inform u guys that my english was fluent and good even in the misinterpreted answers.. also I got nervous when I did not understand a question and had to ask the examiner to rephrase it again.. overall my english was good and fluent.. but i am a bit scared because the examiner looked quite intimidating to me.. so guys would all this affect my score? all i want is 7 for my speaking test.. will i get it?
Dec 10, 2015
 I misinterpreted 1-2 Questions and got nervous
by: IELTS buddy

As I've said many times on here, it's really not possible to guide you on your possible band score without hearing your test.
Dec 10, 2015
 Speaking
by: Anonymous

Hi

Like I mentioned I fumbled in the task two, when I was supposed to talk for 2 mins I spoke little less than two mins.

Even though I wrote some points in a paper but in that moment I couldn't really explain what I had in my mind. Also for couple of questions I answered wrongly I might be my ignorance on that subject, however my English is not bad at all. I was able to answer quite OK.

Fast forward I got 7 for speaking.. So in my view even if you think you answer is little stupid and doesn't make much sense it's OK. All that matters is the fluency grammar etc and not the content.
Aug 04, 2019
 Nervousness and Blank at the same time
by: Padmina

Dear Sir,

I am really nervous with speaking part. I am not being able to develop any idea related to the topic and i was speechless when i was in speaking practice with our teacher. I totally lost it ! Can you advice me how can i prepare myself for the same ???

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What to do if you have a stammering problem in the IELTS Speaking

by Miren Karamta
(Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India)

Dear Friends,

This is a special post for those who have stammering problem while speaking.

First of all, please do not register online for the test. As people with Stammering are considered as a special candidate.

For registration, kindly go to the nearest IDP/British Council centre along with a copy of your Medical Certificate and talk with the centre Manager regarding the problem.

For those who are from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I would request you not to go Civil Hospital for obtaining the certificate. I have done that mistake and wasted my whole day at the hospital but didn't get it. The surprising thing was that, the doctors were unaware about the stammering problem.

I have then visited Asian Speech and Hearing Clinic in Ahmedabad to get the Medical Certificate.

If you have already registered yourself online for the test and forget to mention about the stammering problem. Please scan your medical certificate and send an email to ielts.india@idp.com and mention your passport number and the problem details at earliest possible. They might still consider you as a special candidate.

Thank you and best of luck for the test.

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May 15, 2015
 assistance require
by: Kushal Shah

I HAVE STAMMERING PROBLEM. I CONTACTED IDP AND THEY SAID THAT MAIL TO IDP. IN THAT EMAIL I NEED TO MENTION WHAT ASSISTANCE REQUIRE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN THIS CASE WHAT I CAN WRITE?????
May 15, 2015
 Stammering
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Kushal,

I would contact IDP again and speak to them. Tell them that you are not sure what you need to put.

I'm guessing that you don't actually need assistance so I'm not sure exactly what you would write.

It may be that the examiner can just be told so they are aware of it.
Sep 14, 2015
 medical certificate for stammering
by: prajapati maulik

British council reply me

Certificate must be signed and stamped from government hospital (CIVIL HOSPITAL).

Government hospital are refuse to give me certificate.

Now what can i do for medical certificate for stammering?

my email: maulikgp93@yahoo.com
Sep 16, 2015
 Stammering
by: IELTS buddy

I would tell the British Council what has happened. Maybe they will accept proof from elsewhere.

But I think they will tell you that you must have that certificate. It seems unreasonable that a hospital would refuse it so you will probably need to speak with them again or maybe get a letter from BC to confirm you need it.
Nov 25, 2016
 Stammering
by: Anonymous

I also have stammering problem and today I have done with speaking test. I mailed to british council and mentioned about my problem 5 days before. They asked my medical certificate and suggest me to produce your certificate at the time of your speaking. I do the same and done my speaking with some stammering. Now I don't know about scoring, that how they calculate the score???
Nov 27, 2016
 Stammering
by: IELTS buddy

You really need to contact the centre where you took the test and ask if it was taken into account or not.
Nov 28, 2016
 Depends on the examiner
by: Anonymous

It totally depends on the examiner. I have appeared for IELTS twice. I scored 5.5 in one and 6.5 in second. My stammering was same but scores differ. So it totally depends on the examiner. Fingers crossed!!
Jul 22, 2019
 Regarding band score
by: Anonymous

I had my speaking test yesterday.. after the session was complete, my examiner said she found me very confident and smart.. she even asked me since how many years am I residing in USA and which attempt is this ( IELTS). It was my 1st attempt.. So does this mean she will be marking me good? Or this is something that really doesn’t count?
Jul 22, 2019
 Regarding band score
by: IELTS buddy

The examiner shouldn't really say things like that as it may give you an idea (as it has) that you are being told you did well.

Without being there it's difficult to know if she was actually trying to tell you you did well or just making conversation.

You just have to wait for your score.

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How can I deal with nerves for the IELTS speaking exam?

by Harvard Wang - Wang Lei
(Wuxi China)

How to deal with nervous and afraid when I talk to examiner, and get a higher grade?

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Aug 16, 2014
 Use self-help and public speaking blogs
by: Anonymous

I have used http://curefearofpublicspeaking.com to help overcome my fear when speaking in public with helpful techniques and tips.
Dec 21, 2015
 Keep calm and listen carefully
by: Anonymous

Take a breath before start speaking, listen carefully about the questions. I've shared my experience in my blog (not professional,just simply share mine): https://kahchoonblog.wordpress.com/category/ielts/

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I think I messed up the IELTS speaking Test.

by Nikki

I had my ielts speaking yesterday....it didn't go that well as much as expected as I repeated a lot of sentences and couldn't speak up to 2 minutes and later after finishing the test I apologised the interviewer and told her that I got nervous and couldn't speak at all....is that gonna effect my score? I'm afraid that whether I maybe able to get at least 6 or not? as I need at least 6 bands.

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Sep 25, 2015
 IELTS Speaking Test
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Nikki,

It's impossible to predict your score.

It's still possible to get a 6 if you generally are quite good at speaking, despite having the problems that you did.

But we really can't know without hearing it so you will have to wait for the result.
Aug 08, 2023
 Hey nikki
by: Anonymous

Hey how much did you score nikki... I gave my speaking test today and it was very similar to yours.. I'm very tensed..can u please let me know how much you scored..?

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Finished Speaking Test

by isuru
(Sri lanka)

hey i just finished my ielts speaking test. It was kinda tricky. but i did it! I dont know and i cant remember what did i say in ther bercause i was so nervous! But i think i did good! Please don't be scared to talk just go and throw it out that's all!

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Improve Speaking, Stammering and Confidence

by Navjot singh saini
(Amritsar,punjab/India)

How to improve speaking, stammering and confidence.

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Aug 06, 2016
 Improving Speaking
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Navjot,

That's a lot to try and answer in one reply in a forum.

You really should just refer to the tips and lessons on this site.

But as with most things practice is the most important thing. If you improve your speaking and fluency generally you will feel more confident, so find people to practice speaking with.

Practice makes perfect.

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Stammering and Nervous

by Hossam

Hello

Today was my IELTS speaking test, In part 1 my answers were not that bad but in part I stammered, I got very nervous, panicked then I stopped and I couldn't even breath.

Finally I asked the examiner to allow me to go before even I finish the test. What could be the reaction of the examiner will?

Thanks

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Aug 20, 2016
 Examiners reaction
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Hossam,

The examiner will just be grading you on your speaking.

If you were nervous and stammering that could affect your score for fluency.

You mean you left before the test finished? If you did of course that will affect your score as you need to finish the test.

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Frustrated by my IELTS speaking test

by Lestat
(dubai )

Hi i just got back from my speaking test.

I think i messed up big time because i was so nervous. Although i speak english fluently, i don't think i answered the first part of the test well, and on the second part i couldn't speak for more than two minutes. I think i kept repeating words and my grammar as well was a bit messed up.

I know i shouldn't worry and that all i can do is wait for the results but i am so worried i screwed up big time. I think i might have done okay on the third part. Overall i'm not sure to be honest.

Sorry i just wanted to vent out my frustration.

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I usually get nervous and don´t know what to say. What should I do?

by Miley
(Ho Chi Minh City)

I´m studying Ielts bands 4,5-5. In speaking test, i usually get nervous and don´t know what to say. What should i do??

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Aug 11, 2015
 suggestion
by: abdur rahim kutubi

dear,
practice speaking with me by phone 008801712657138 or Skype id abdurrahimkutubi or abdur.rahim.kutubi for at least 20 minutes or more.
abdur Rahim kutubi
Aug 13, 2015
 suggestion
by: miley

Hi, Abdur Rahim Kutubi
I´m glad to hear that you want to practice english with me. I´ll skype you as fast as possible when I have free time. Pls skype me: wendyngoctruong1330 but I´m not usually on skype. You can send me email: ngoctruong1330@yhaoo.com
Thank you!
Aug 13, 2015
 fixing
by: miley

Oopps!!!! I´ sorry!!! My skype ID and the email popably incorrect. My skype is wendyngoc1330 and my email is: ngoctruong1330@yahoo.com.vn
Sep 18, 2015
 i pause a lot in speaking
by: eli

i pause a lot in speaking. and i don't know how to make my speech more fluent.

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I have problems in IELTS speaking

by sulaiman
(dubai)

I have problems in IELTS speaking.

I have a lot of good vocabulary but i do not know why i do not use them in the speaking test.

Also, every time in the speaking test I am very nervous so I speak fast, and that is making me lose marks in pronunciation and making some problems in part 2.

I don't speak English enough that is why I can not develop my speaking.

i have skype.

i hope that someone can help me please.

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Sep 27, 2012
 I have the same problem in speaking
by: Moktadir

Hi, the best way to overcome his situation is practice. why not we set up and time schedule and talk everyday with each other for at least mins. this way, we cover be succeed in ielts exam. What is your opinion?

my email: moktadir_creation@yahoo.com
Sep 28, 2012
 About speaking
by: Moktadir

Hi sulaiman,

Have you found anybody to practice with? If you are really interested about the improvement of your english speaking, only practice could help you. I have ielts exam next month and I need to practice. so, if you are interested, I could make some time talking with you.

I am waiting for your response

Cheers
Moktadir
Apr 16, 2014
 problem about speaking
by: vali

can any one help me

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My Speaking Test Advice for Nerves

by Anil

I had a my IELTS exam Aug-20 and what I did wrong is I became nervous and tense in my speaking test and because of that I forgot all my strategy like how to use good grammar, sentence connectors etc.

I repeated the same words two or three times and I also used small sentences. Basically my fault was that I didn't practice my speaking and timed myself before the exam and I was also over confident.

My suggestion is not to become nervous and terrified, stay calm and cool. They are mere examiners and they are not going to execute you there.

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How to face speaking test

by Yoga
(Chennai)

I face some problem in my speaking module. I took IELTS test a couple of times though my individual band was 5.5 in speaking.

Can anyone give some suggestions to improve my skills? How to face the interviewer fearless?

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Feb 22, 2017
 Nerves in IELTS Speaking
by: IELTS buddy

You will see there are already some tips here about dealing with nerves in the IELTS Speaking Test.

One thing to remember is that nearly everyone is very nervous in the test, even those that don't look like they are.

Also, the examiner is well aware that most candidates will be nervous - so you shouldn't think that it will necessarily affect your score.

If you know that the examiner is expecting to see nerves anyway, hopefully that will make you have less fear.
Mar 02, 2017
 Nervousness
by: Peter Y.O

Learn to take several deep breaths before you start speaking. It sure helps you to articulate better

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