Body language plays an important role whenever we’re interacting with people. It may not be a parameter for assessment of one’s skills but is observed by everyone subconsciously. Being mindful of how you conduct yourself in front of people at a gathering, a formal event or at an informal get together will work in your favour afterwards as you have been disciplined enough to maintain your composure while in the presence of other individuals.
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability on four factors- Fluency and Coherence, Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation. However, speaking entails the use of natural body language such as certain hand movements and gestures. A positive body language leaves a pleasant impression on the examiner. In this blog, we will be touching upon five ways in which you can improve your body language while you’re appearing for the Speaking test.
FACIAL EXPRESSION: Always appear calm and stress-free instead of making faces while you’re sitting with the examiner. Do not look expressionless and acknowledge the examiner with a polite smile. Maintain eye contact while you’re answering questions as that indicates a sense of confidence. Remember to feel good from within as your appearance cannot be deceptive.
HAND MOVEMENT: Our hands tend to move naturally as we speak. Do not go overboard while explaining things as the examiner’s entire attention might shift to your hand gestures instead of your speaking abilities. Do not fiddle around with a pen/pencil or keep your hands inside your pockets. Keep your hands to your sides when you aren’t stressing on a point.
AVOID SLOUCHING: How you sit while you’re facing the examiner matters too. You should sit upright and avoid slouching as that makes you look shabby and under confident. Your head should not keep hanging low while you’re interacting or speaking about a particular subject.
PRACTICE IN FRONT OF A MIRROR: One of the best ways in which you can practice appropriate body language is by enacting in front of a mirror. This helps you understand the parts that need more work than the others. It also provides you with a reflection of yourself while you’re addressing the speaker. From the eye movement to hand gestures to your overall posture, you will be able to perfect all aspects before the main IELTS Speaking test.
DON’T DISPLAY YOUR RESTLESSNESS: Some of us have a habit of biting our nails, cracking your knuckles, tapping our feet, fidgeting just because we feel uneasy and the like. All these point towards how jittery we feel from within and our inability to deal with a situation that’s presented to us. Do not let these habits fester as they will leave behind unpleasant impressions.
With the right body language, you will never have to worry about how you appear in front of an examiner. Practice these during the mocks and you will leave behind a lasting impression.
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