Do These 6 Things Before Every Speaking Test

Test day nerves can hurt your performance—even if you’ve practiced for weeks. Here are 6 things to do before your IELTS or TOEFL speaking test to stay calm and score higher.

1. Warm Up Your Voice

Speak out loud, read a paragraph, or talk to a partner 15–20 minutes before the test. It gets your brain and voice in sync.

2. Avoid Memorized Answers

Examiners know when you’re repeating. Focus on understanding common topics instead of memorizing lines.

3. Review Common Prompts

Skim over Part 1 and 2 topics. USpeak has practice prompts that match official formats.

4. Drink Water, but Not Too Much

Stay hydrated to keep your throat clear. But avoid too much—restroom breaks aren’t allowed.

5. Control Your Breathing

Deep breaths calm nerves and slow your speaking pace. Practice breathing exercises in the waiting area.

6. Smile and Make Eye Contact

Positive body language boosts your confidence—and makes a good impression on the examiner.

Conclusion

Preparation isn’t just about grammar—it’s about mindset. Follow these 6 steps and use USpeak for daily speaking drills to walk in confident and prepared.