How I Learned to Tackle the IELTS Speaking Test (And How You Can Too)

Let’s be honest—of all the parts of the IELTS exam, the Speaking test tends to freak people out the most. I’ve seen it time and again: great writers, excellent readers, even quick thinkers... but the moment they sit across from the examiner, nerves take over. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right mindset and some consistent practice, this part of the test can actually become your strength.

First Things First: Know What You’re Dealing With

Before anything else, you need to know what’s coming. The Speaking test lasts about 11–14 minutes and is divided into three parts. Part 1 is easygoing—think small talk about your hobbies or family. Part 2 is where you get a topic card, and you need to talk about it for up to two minutes. Part 3? That’s more of a discussion based on the previous topic. So basically, it starts simple and then gets deeper.

Practice Like It’s Game Day

Here’s a trick that worked for me: treat every practice session like the real thing. Don’t just think about what you’d say—actually say it out loud. Use a timer, record yourself, and play it back. Yeah, it can feel awkward at first, but it’s super effective. I used to set aside 15 minutes each evening, and honestly, that routine helped me improve more than anything else.

Make Friends With New Words (But Don’t Overdo It)

You’ll want to sound natural and confident, not like you memorized a dictionary. Focus on picking up vocabulary you’d actually use in real life. I made lists for common topics—technology, travel, education—and kept adding words I picked up from YouTube videos and podcasts. Pro tip: speaking them out loud helps more than just reading them.

You Don’t Need a Fancy Accent

I can’t stress this enough: clarity matters more than sounding British. I used to obsess over pronunciation until I realized I was wasting energy trying to imitate accents. What really helped? Paying attention to intonation—the rise and fall of your voice—and making sure my speech flowed. Examiners just want to understand you clearly.

Make English Part of Your Day

One small habit that helped me build fluency? Talking to myself in English. Sounds silly, I know. But it works. I'd describe what I was doing—“Now I’m making tea... now I’m checking my email…”—just to keep my brain used to switching into English mode. Over time, it felt more natural, and I didn’t freeze up when the exam started.

Mistakes? Let Them Happen

You will make mistakes. I did. Everyone does. The good news is: it’s not the end of the world. What really counts is how you handle them. If you can correct yourself calmly, or just keep going without panicking, that actually leaves a good impression. Remember, it’s a test of communication, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re getting ready for the IELTS Speaking test, just know that it’s totally normal to feel nervous. I was there too. But the more you practice, the more your confidence builds. Make it part of your daily routine, talk about real stuff that matters to you, and learn to enjoy the process. When the day of the test comes, you won’t just be prepared—you’ll be ready to speak with confidence.