If you arrive at the Test Centre in a positive mindset then it will increase your chances of getting the Band Score that you want.
Here are some tips to help you start the test with a good IELTS Speaking Introduction.
Arrive Early at the Test Centre
It’s good to start the test in in a relaxed, confident mood so make sure that you arrive early at the test centre ! Don’t be late because that will just give you stress on top of the stress that you may already be feeling.
Positive Affirmations
On your way to the centre have something positive in English on your phone to listen to. This will get you into the mood of being in an English environment before the test so that you’re mentally prepared for the test. Positive affirmations are good for this. For example, you can download affirmations or you record yourself saying affirmations like:
I am blessed to have a wonderful family and friends.
I create happiness by appreciating the little things in life.
I love English and I’m going to excel in this test.
When you arrive at the test centre you will need to register. Normally, you will be asked to leave your mobile phone and other belongings in a locker and then you will be taken to a waiting area where you will sit outside the exam room until the examiner is ready to see you.
Visualisation
Use this time to get mentally prepared. To do that just take a few moments to think about what’s going to happen and become focused and positive. Visualise yourself speaking to the examiner in a bold, confident voice. Visualisation is used by athletes before a race. They visualise themselves winning the race. It is also a technique that is used by Professional Speakers to prepare for a speech. They visualise themselves speaking confidently and the audience enjoying the speech.
Just stay there in that positive mindset for a few seconds or minutes before the test until you are invited in.
The Introduction
Then he or she will open the door and ask you to enter. They will start by saying, “Hello” and invite you to sit down. Just smile, say, “Hello” and sit down. Then they will ask to see your ID or passport. Before they start the test they will start to record it using a little mp3 player.
Next they will ask you, “Okay what’s your name?”
Just say your name and then they might say, “and what can I call you?” If so, just keep it simple and say, “you can call me Freda,” or whatever your first name is, unless you prefer to be called by a nickname.
Conclusion
These tips will help you to start your intervew well by giving a good IELTS Speaking Introduction. In a future article we wll discuss how to answer Part One of the Speaking exam so that you can obtain the Band score that you want.
Hello! great article. I loved the idea of recording positive affirmations and listening to them just before the test. I used to listen to them on YouTube in the morning; they motivate me and keep me focused on my goals; they also helped me feel positive about myself and trust in my capabilities and competence. I will consider this tip.
People must know that it is ok to feel nervous on the day of the exam. You only have to control yourself and don’t let fear defeat you. Also, they need to know that it is ok to ask the examiner politely to repeat a question or to explain it if they don’t understand, and they won’t lose any point. Thank you for this article.
You just made it so easy for all of us preparing for the IELTS. I was confused about what to do and how to act when arriving at the test center, I’m the type of person that gets nervous when visiting new places and meeting new people, and by getting nervous, I’m sure that I won’t do good on the test I’m glad I found your blog all my thanks to you!