20 Tips to Prepare IELTS Speaking Test like a PRO

Being an IELTS coach for 14 years, I have coached hundreds of students to get their WHOLE-DESIRED BAND in their IELTS Speaking test. The IELTS test is an essential requirement for individuals planning to study, work or migrate to English-speaking countries, including Canada, the UK, the USA, etc.

The IELTS is made up of four sections — Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. In this blog, I will share my observation on IELTS speaking and also provide you some valuable tips which you can use to achieve a high score in the exam.

Track the IELTS Exam Pattern for Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test has three parts.

Part 1: Intro & general questions

This part is basically an interview where you introduce yourself and answer basic questions related to family, career, and hobbies.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

You’ll get a task card with a topic, and you’ll have one minute to prepare your answer. Then, you would speak on the given topic for two minutes.

Helpful resource: https://yourlocalieltscoach.com/ielts-exam-syllabus-2025-listening-reading-writing-speaking/

Part 3: Discussion

Here the examiner will ask you some in-depth questions related to the topic discussed in part 2. The discussion goes on for 4-5 minutes and tests your ability to articulate and justify your thoughts.

How long is the IELTS Speaking exam and how is it scored?

→ The total length of IELTS Speaking Test is 11-14 minutes.

A candidate’s score ranges from 1 to a band score of 9, which is the highest band score.

Scores are based on the following four criteria:

Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary usage)
Pronunciation
Grammatical Range and Accuracy

These criteria are each scored, and the average of those scores becomes your final band score. For example:

Speaking & Coherence: 7.5, Pronunciation: 6.5, Lexical Resource: 8.0, Grammar: 7.5

(7.5 + 6.5 + 8 + 7.5)÷ 4 = 7.3 → Final Band Score = 7.5

Things You Should Know Before Taking IELTS Speaking

Here are 20 practical strategies I suggest to you as test takers to prepare optimally for the IELTS Speaking test:

Familiarize yourself with the test format and the rules.
Ditch the paper, even if you prefer that instead.
Use tone, intonation, and modulation; do not speak in a monotone.
Take simple and clear language, do not take hard words which may mislead you.
Listen to English News channels and videos that will improve the understanding of speaking pattern.
Don’t say, “Um,” “Uh,” “Like” and other filler words.
Embrace your accent and don’t worry about it. All examiners know every accent.
Speak English with friends, family, or study groups every day.
If you’re doing any sort of public speaking (again, in person or on video), record yourself and analyze the video.
Speak forth words that are both audible and assertive.
Avoid memorizing answers. Instead, learn to respond on the spot.
Keep the conversation flowing naturally, and avoid hopping from topic to topic.
Use a range and variety of grammatical structures correctly, but only if you are confident.
Allow yourself time to think if necessary, using transition sentences such as “That’s an interesting question…”
Note that there are no right or wrong answers. Express your opinions freely.
Do not repeat words from the examiner’s questions. Paraphrase instead.
Make a structured schedule for your IELTS Speaking practice.
Focus on how stress and intonation are used within sentences to adopt a more natural speaking.
Support your answers with examples and personal experiences.
Keep calm and confident; your mental game matters substantially in your performance.

Top Tips to Get a Higher Band Score

Fluency and Coherence

Speak with confidence and don’t put many pauses.
Do not memorize content or way of speaking.
Use contractions naturally (e.g., “I’m” instead of “I am”).
Stay on topic and avoid going off on a tangent.

Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

Do not present the same phrases; write synonyms or different phrases.
Use context-appropriate vocabulary.
Avoid using words you don’t understand fully.

Pronunciation

Speak at a normal pace; do not hurry.
Enunciate words clearly.
Record yourself and listen for mistakes.
Listen to native speakers and repeat their speech.
Stress important words in a sentence.

Helpful resource: https://yourlocalieltscoach.com/5-essential-english-skills-to-improve-for-ielts-success/

Range of Grammar and Accuracy

Use a mix of sentence structures, including simple, complex, and compound sentences.
Use different tenses correctly.
In Part 3, try using future tenses when making predictions or talking about solutions.

Top IELTS Speaking Preparation Books

How to Study IELTS (examenglish.com)
IELTS Speaking by Sampath Bandara
IELTS Speaking – 8.5 Master Plan by Marc Roche
Collins Speaking for IELTS (Karen Kovacs)
British Council: Official IELTS Practice Materials (IDP & Cambridge University Press)

How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Online

How to Prepare – IELTS (Official IELTS website)
Road to IELTS (British Council mock tests & tutorials)
Magoosh IELTS (Practice tests and study plans)
IELTS Liz (Free YouTube tutorials)

IELTS Speaking Tips — During the Test

Make sure you are well hydrated and have eaten before the test.
Maintain eye contact with the examiner.
Stay focused and avoid distractions.
Speak naturally and avoid over-engineering answers.
Greet the examiner with confidence and a smile.
If you aren’t sure of the answer, don’t panic. Instead, say something related.
Use varied grammar and vocabulary in your responses.

IELTS Speaking Preparation Final Checklist

Smile and greet the examiner politely.
Avoid repeating words and phrases excessively.
Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures.
Manage your time effectively.
Read aloud to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Avoid filler words.
Stay on topic and maintain fluency.

Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking test is one of the most important sections in the IELTS exam. Proper preparation will help you achieve the required band score. With practice and by following these expert tips, you will improve your fluency, pronunciation, and overall performance. Speak English daily, read extensively, and take practice tests.

Confidence + Practice = Success!