IELT Tips

by Meshi
(Pakistan)

How can I be confident speaking, improve my pronunciation and easily answer typical IELT questions. How can I maintain good eye contact while responding?

Also how can I build up my accent? I want to know how I can be in the driving seat during my exam. I need some tips and suggestions. I would be very thankful for your help.

---

Hi Meshi, I haven't specialized in IELTS exams but I can give you some advice about the topics you brought up.

Regarding confidence while speaking, the best way to improve that is to speak more, so you are more comfortable speaking, and to improve your self talk.

Most people have negative self talk when it comes to their English and you need to change that. You need to encourage yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes too. Try to tell yourself only positives things. Focus on what you have learnt, rather than what you need to learn.

For advice on how to improve your pronunciation read this article that I wrote last month. How to Improve Your Pronunciation.

As for eye contact, you need to be careful with this. For example if you stare at someone (without blinking or looking away infrequently) you will intimidate or make the other person feel uncomfortable.

My suggestion would be to look away when you start a new topic or sentence. The best way to do this is to look up (like you are thinking) while you explain concepts or ideas. If you are directly asking something then it is best to look the person in the eye. Just make sure that you blink and look away once and a while.

I hope that helps Meshi!
Have a great day,
Diana

---

Need help improving your Accent?
Read why I love Charles Becker's "Best Accent Training MP3's".

Accent Reduction MP3 Course