Are you nervous about your forthcoming IELTS Speaking Test?
- Hendersons Educational Services
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Some of you may have heard of glossophobia, which is the intense fear of public speaking. It affects up to 75% of the population. Some people say they’d rather handle snakes and spiders, bungee jump, or go to the dentist than give a speech!
You might not have heard of xenoglossophobia, which is foreign language anxiety. It’s the feeling of unease and apprehension experienced when using a foreign language. One can only imagine that if you’re already afraid of giving a speech in your first language, you must feel utterly terrified to do so in your second, third, or fourth!
There are some pretty absurd prescriptions for combating anxiety about public speaking, such as imagining your audience naked, or staring at peoples’ foreheads. While amusing in theory, in practice, these kinds of strategies are likely to make it difficult for you to focus and unable to connect to those people you’re addressing.
At Hendersons, we offer practical, useful and tested solutions for overcoming your anxiety about speaking in English! After all, we have 30 years of experience in preparing students for high-stakes testing. We work only with highly qualified teachers who genuinely care about students’ outcomes.
Here are our top tips to overcome nerves: -
Psychological Reframing
Try to redirect your negative thoughts. Think of the IELTS Speaking Test as a welcome opportunity to share important information about yourself with the examiner. Take pride in the fact that you can carry an interesting conversation in another language – many people can’t do this. It’s an amazing achievement! And remember, the IELTS examiner is (silently) cheering you on. They WANT you to do well!
Physical Grounding
If you are very nervous, doing something physical is an excellent circuit-breaker, and can help to interrupt anxious thoughts. Try box breathing (in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, out for a count of 4) or simply taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do some simple stretches. Wriggle your toes in your shoes.
Preparation & Practice
Nothing will alleviate your anxiety better than knowing you have done your best to prepare and practice before the test. Do as many mock tests as you can. Practise following English conversations in film or TV. Make lists of vocabulary for common IELTS topics, like travel, education and the environment. Get to know the assessment criteria so you know exactly what the examiners are looking for during the test. Take as many classes as you can – ours are ON SALE for a limited time only. We’d love to help you study!
Studies show that in-person participation in language classes is key to developing a sense of enjoyment, rather than unease, in speaking a foreign language.
For a strictly limited time, Hendersons is offering discounted Speaking Workshops - we have a 3-hour Intensive for those short on time & an 18-hour Workshop (over multiple days) for those who want to dive deeper into their preparation. Secure your place in class now!
