One of the things that matter in the IELTS speaking test is your pronunciation. When you study with a teacher, improving your pronunciation is easier — he can correct you and you can listen to him and just copy the way he pronounces words. There is no quick and easy fix for bad pronunciation. The chances are that you won’t get rid of your accent completely — but the accent doesn’t matter in the IELTS as long as you pronounce the words correctly, so work hard on that. If you want to improve your English speaking skills then focus on following things-
1- you can use a free web-based text-to-speech application such as “Text-to-speech” means exactly that — you type a word and the program says it. Get a passage of text and start reading it out loud. Any word you are not sure how to pronounce, type in that website and click “Say it” to hear it.
2- If you need time to collect your thoughts use expressions (sparingly) like: ‘That’s a good question.’, ‘Well, let me think …’.
3- Don’t forget to avoid short, ‘yes’, ‘no’ answers. Try to offer examples to back up a statement.
4- Help make your contributions memorable. Try explaining a point using a short, personal anecdote.
5- for effective speaking, you can record yourself — using a computer, a tape recorder, a mp3 player or a mobile phone — now there are many devices that allow voice recording. Then listen to your recorded voice and take notes of which words are mispronounced.
6- Typically, you will be asked to talk about everyday topics and ideas. As the test goes on though the questions do become harder and more theoretical. One simple suggestion is to just to look at the types of questions you will get. You may be surprised at how easy the questions are! IELTS speaking is not an academic test. Sometimes people can go wrong because they treat it like an intelligence test and forget to use good English.
7- Get a recording of the news/radio/anything produced by native English speakers. Play the recording and repeat after them, trying to copy the way they pronounce words.
8- At the start of the test, just give the information that’s needed rather than expanding too much on your answers. Wait until you hear questions about your home, work, school life and so on before giving more extended answers. Even then, provide relevant answers and avoid rambling on about everything you can think of.
9- Implement key phrases strategically. If you’re familiar with the format of the IELTS Speaking test and the types of questions asked, then you can start planning. Think about what you can say in various situations that may arise during the test. For example, the first part of the text will ask you about things like your home, family, work or your life as a student. This is a great time to show off your ability to use the present perfect.
family — We’ve been married for only six months.
work — I’ve been an engineer for fourteen years.
10- Fluency and vocabulary technically carry the same weight in grading, it’s better to be fluent and fluid than to spend several seconds thinking of the best word. Your overall impression will be much stronger if you speak fluidly and only hunt around for a great word once or twice. Chances are that if you keep talking, your next chance to speak will yield a strong vocabulary word.
11- Avoid Monotone: You know the way beginners talk when learning a new language: a slow, flat monotone. Nothing is less impressive and more yawn inspiring. Even if you speak perfectly, a bland tone can make you sound less fluent than you really are. Adding some range to your tones will make you sound more fluent, interesting and accomplished.
12- It happens to the best: mistakes. Even when you’re speaking your native tongue sometimes the wrong words come out. You might be talking too quickly or just accidentally say the wrong word. If you are able to quickly and fluently correct yourself, go for it. This will show the examiner than you are conscious and in control (and, of course, that you know the correct answer).
13- Use your 1 minute preparation time wisely and make notes of the points you’d like to make. The question will help you with the structure of your talk. The introduction can include the item itself and maybe a brief description. The main body of your talk could describe the situation when you acquired the object and go on to explain when you use it. You can then end with an explanation of why the object is so important.
14- Don’t be afraid to ask a question again.If you don’t understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat or explain it — you should not be penalized for this. If you try to answer a question you do not understand, you will almost certainly become incoherent.
15- Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself — think coherence — the “as I was saying” trick. Part of your score in speaking is fluency and coherence. One way to make yourself more coherent is in fact to repeat yourself. This is something professional speakers do a lot. The one trick is not to use the same words both times! A practical suggestion is to think about finishing your speech by referring back to something you have already said. A key phrase here may be- “As I was saying/As I said before” If you use this it helps show the examiner that you are linking your ideas together and that in fact is what coherence is!
