How to Avoid Stuttering in the IELTS Speaking Test

Stuttering is a disorder or an issue that can affect the fluency of one’s speech. Stuttering is caused by disruptions in the production of speech sounds.  This can be seen if one makes a lot of pauses, hesitates too much, self-corrects or “eats” words.

Besides “natural” or inherent reasons, the most common reason for stuttering is brought upon by nervousness or anxiety. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, frustration, fear, anger, and guilt are frequent in people who stutter, and may actually increase tension and effort, leading to increased stuttering.

In English proficiency tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), stuttering may be an issue as these tests have a Speaking Section which requires the test taker to verbally respond in a fixed amount of time.

The speaking tests aim to assess one’s ability to articulate ideas verbally and clarity and coherence are important factors. Stuttering may greatly affect one’s effectiveness and lead to a very low score. This may be interpreted as an inability of the speaker to articulate verbally.

However, one should not despair as there is a way to address stuttering in speaking tests in IELTS.

·         First and foremost is mental preparation above anything else such as skills.

Test takers need to be relaxed and should have a clear mind. It is necessary for them to condition themselves to avoid making careless mistakes and even stuttering. While this is not the easiest task to do, it is something that must be developed.

·         Secondly, it is essential to stick to the plan.

Test takers are allowed to take notes and are given time to prepare. They should take this time to map out how they will present or articulate their ideas based on the notes they took. Most of the time, stuttering is caused when test takers try to alter the plan once they begin speaking and this leads to making too many pauses or stuttering. Test takers should resist the urge to change their plans once they start speaking.

·         Another way to avoid stuttering in speaking tests is constant drill.

Test takers should try reading any text aloud whether it is an article in a magazine, newspaper or even a passage from a book. The purpose is to eliminate pauses and stuttering by teaching proper pronunciation and pacing as well as practicing proper grammar. Tongue twisters are also recommended to give the tongue “exercise.”

·         Broaden your vocabulary.

One other problem that causes stuttering is test takers struggle to find the right words to say. To address this problem, they are encouraged to have a broad choice of words. It is simply not enough to learn and memorize new words. This also includes using words in a sentence to develop the confidence is using these words. When in doubt, the rule of the thumb is to keep it simple.

Stuttering can be overcome if one would follow the aforementioned tips. It will require some effort especially for those not fluent in the language but with constant exposure and practice as well as patience, it will not be difficult to hurdle the speaking tests of IELTS. As a saying goes, “Proper Practice Prevents Poor Performance.”

Get more IELTS tips here: www.slideshare.net/stephlowe91/ielts-grammar-prepositions