Turning Nerves into Strength: Unique Ways to Conquer Speaking Anxiety

Speaking can be intimidating, whether it’s in a casual setting, at work, or during an exam like IELTS. Like many others, I felt the rush of anxiety whenever I had to speak in front of others. In real life, I tend to keep my conversations limited to school and work, but even in those situations, nerves can creep in. When I started preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, I realized that the fear I experienced was not unlike the one I felt during everyday interactions. However, instead of trying to avoid these feelings, I learned to manage them effectively.

The moment I knew I would be graded for my speaking in IELTS, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of anxiety. It was a reminder of how much pressure we put on ourselves during exams, especially when we’re worried about how others will judge our performance. I’ve felt that same weight of anxiety in real-life conversations too, but the difference is, real life doesn’t come with a scorecard. When I started thinking about it, I realized that while IELTS exams are about assessing your abilities, real conversations are more about connecting with others and expressing yourself authentically. By shifting my focus from worrying about perfect performance to simply communicating clearly, I found a way to conquer my anxiety and feel more confident, both in the exam and in everyday interactions.


                                       Note: Image is AI-generated

Turning Nerves into Strength: How I Overcame Speaking Anxiety

Over the years, I’ve developed my own strategies for overcoming anxiety in both real-life situations and while preparing for IELTS speaking. Let me share how I tackled speaking anxiety and how you can too.


Understanding My Anxiety

How I Overcame Anxiety in Everyday Conversations

1. Keep it Natural

One key strategy I use is to avoid overthinking the conversation. I focus on keeping my speech natural and not running too many thoughts in my mind before speaking. The more I try to plan or anticipate what I’ll say, the more nervous I become. By allowing myself to speak more freely and naturally, I reduce the anxiety that comes with trying to control every word.

2. Preparation for Clear and Appropriate Word Choices

While I avoid overthinking, I do prepare myself to choose clear and appropriate words. I work on improving my vocabulary and learning synonyms, which helped in IELTS as well as in expressing myself in daily life conversations like at work and college. Knowing that I have the right words at hand gives me the confidence to speak without fear of stumbling.

3. Listen Before Speaking

Whether it’s a casual chat or an IELTS speaking task, I’ve learned to listen completely before responding. This helps me understand the context better and ensures that I’m giving a thoughtful response. In both real-life conversations and exams, jumping into speaking too quickly can cause mistakes or misunderstandings, so taking a moment to process the information before answering has helped me stay calm and focused. 

PRO TIP: After listening carefully, before responding to the question, try to show engagement by acknowledging it. You can say something like, "Good question" or "That's an interesting point or question; I'd love to share my thoughts on it.". This will not only give you a moment to gather your thoughts but also show that you are connected in the conversation. 

4. Honesty is Key

If I don’t know the answer or I’m unsure of something, I simply acknowledge it. Whether in everyday life or during the exam, I found that being honest is much more effective than trying to make up something just to fill the silence. In IELTS, being clear and honest about what you know shows confidence and maturity, which actually works in your favor. 

5. Stop Making Up Things

One habit I used to have was trying to create answers even when I didn’t have enough information. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers. Instead of making up details that might sound convincing, I now focus on what I truly know, and that has relieved much of the pressure. I now prioritize clarity and authenticity over trying to impress. 

Few things that you can say when you have less or zero knowledge:

  • "I'm not entirely sure about that, but I think..." 
  • "That's an interesting question, but I don't know much about it."
  • "I'm not an expert on that, but here's what I believe..."


The Real Benefits of Overcoming Anxiety

Overcoming speaking anxiety has made a huge difference in both my personal and professional life. I no longer feel the need to rush or fake confidence, which makes me more present in my conversations. Whether speaking to a colleague, engaging in casual discussions, or taking the IELTS Speaking test, I know that being authentic and calm helps me perform at my best.

Before ending, I want to share my PRO TIPS:

Pro Tip for Students

If you’re a student, try enrolling in courses that involve giving presentations or focus on interpersonal communication. These types of classes will help you build confidence in speaking and prepare you for situations where you need to articulate your ideas clearly, whether it’s for exams or just day-to-day discussions. Over time, presenting in front of others will become second nature, helping reduce anxiety.


Pro Tip for Working Professionals

If you’re in the workforce, try initiating conversations with coworkers and making genuine connections. Whether it’s discussing a project or having a casual chat during lunch, engaging with others at work can help you become more comfortable speaking in a variety of settings. The more you practice in real-world environments, the easier it will be to communicate confidently, whether in meetings, presentations, or even social gatherings.


Pro Tip for IELTS Speaking

During your IELTS Speaking test, try to replace filler words like “umm” or “ahh” with small pauses. Pausing briefly before answering gives you time to think, helps organize your thoughts, and makes your speech sound more confident and deliberate. It’s completely okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts—this will make you appear more in control of the conversation, and it will prevent the use of unnecessary fillers that can disrupt the flow of your speech.

Conclusion

Overcoming speaking anxiety isn’t about eliminating nerves—it’s about managing them in a way that enhances your communication. By focusing on keeping conversations natural, preparing for the right word choices, listening fully before speaking, and being honest when I don’t know something, I’ve learned to approach speaking with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS or engaging in everyday conversations, remember that the key to success is authenticity and a calm mindset.


Thank you for reading.

I hope these tips will help you in your journey.

Stay tuned for IELTS-focused speaking tips, strategies, and resources designed to help you ace your exam. 


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