• Like what I mentioned in my previous post, the IELTS speaking test takes only 11-14 minutes. How do you prove to the examiner you have the necessary English speaking skills in such a short amount of time? TALK. Yes, be willing to talk. Don't just answer questions with a 'yes' or 'no' (yeah, and 'maybe' too^^) Don't wait for the examiner to ask you a follow up question on the same topic to give more details. For instance, you are asked what your hometown is. Don't just mention the name of the hometown. Give the examiner more details about your hometown. Say something interesting about it. Mention its location, population or what it's famous for. The more you speak (just make sure what you're talking about is still related to the topic), the more bases the examiner will have in giving you a score.
• Be positive. Wear a smile (make sure it's genuine or at least looks genuine^^). Mention good things about yourself, your hometown, etc. This is not the time to release the critical side of yourself. It wouldn't make a good impression. Just imagine talking to someone who is so negative. You have probably experienced that and perhaps you wouldn't want to talk to that kind of person again.
• Like in any interview, be respectful of the interviewer. Do not sit down unless you are asked...but of course if you've already been standing there for quite some time, ask the examiner where you can probably sit. Also, greet the examiner. As for shaking hands,I think it would be better to let the examiner initiate it.
• Do not slouch when you sit because it would make you look overconfident or disrespectful. Sit straight and look attentive by sitting near the edge of your seat.
• Avoid wearing inappropriate clothes. Like what I said before, imagine that it's a job interview. For girls, don't wear very sexy outfits (with the long slits and plunging necklines) because your examiner might feel uncomfortable or distracted. For guys, try to put on something formal or at least a shirt with collar (instead of T-shirt). Try not to wear jeans and rubber shoes (and definitely not slippers). Wearing appropriate clothes gives an impression that you really prepared for the exam and are serious about it.
• Do not wear too many pieces of jewelry, especially the big distracting ones. (danglings, big chunky, flashy and colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings) Keep it simple. Personally, I think the only piece of accessory you need is a wristwatch in order to keep yourself from talking too short or too long.
• Do not show them how nervous you are. (and please DO NOT TELL THEM you're nervous, or how relieved you are the exam is over, or that you're not good in English) Believe it or not, some people tend to do those and it wouldn't leave a nice impression. Being nervous and telling them you're not good in English is like already admitting you should not have taken the exam in the first place. If you don't believe in yourself, why would they? right?
• Avoid looking at the examiner's table especially at what he or she is writing while you are talking. Some might think that you're trying to read their comments. I heard of one incident before that an examinee was asked by the examiner to sit in the middle of the room instead of next to his or her table because the examiner thought the interviewee was looking at what he/she was writing. Also, instead of just spending 11-14 minutes in the speaking test, the examinee had to stay for around 20 minutes because the interviewer was so angry with him/her.
• Establish eye contact. This would show your confidence and this can also be a way to get the examiner's attention. Avoid staring at the ceiling or the floor.
• Minimize unnecessary gestures and mannerisms that may be distracting to the examiner. Make sure your gestures can help stress your point instead of them showing your nervousness or lack of anything to say. (It's not the time to scratch your head or pick your nose...please.^^)
• Sound enthusiastic about what you are talking about. Feel what you are saying. Do not sound monotonous unless you want your examiner to fall asleep.
• Don't ask the examiner how well you did because they won't tell you anyway. Also, remember that the exam isn't over yet until you go out of the room so keep your composure until then.

SAMPLE SPEAKING:

tter on part 3, the score will probably be 4.