Stammering: A tricky situation in IELTS speaking

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardized test of English language. This test is considered as a standard to examine the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. We had already discussed about the introduction of IELTS examination as well as certain quick tips for IELTS preparation and more. 

Here we would be discussing about the speaking part in IELTS. It is very much essential that what we speak is clear, understandable and sensible. Here at Maruti Overseas we have students who have issues in speaking or  speech part in IELTS no matter how good they are in writing and grammar. Certainly some of them have stammering issues while speaking. A lot of people stammer when they are nervous which is very natural that you would feel more nervous when talking to strangers. Words you use may be prolonged or repeated, sometimes accompanied by physical signs or struggle such as rapid eye blinking or lip shaking.

Here are certain tips to overcome stammering and nervousness while speaking. Though you should also understand that this would require a lot of practice but nothing is impossible overcome.

1.  Breaking Tension:

There are certain speech impediments that cause tension in our body and due to tension our body creates speech impediments and vice-versa which becomes a never ending cycle. So, If you’re tensed, you will stammer. And it’s okay to be kind of a bit anxious or excited about speaking, but we don’t want our body to be covered and be held by this tension. So it is important to breathe and relax yourself before speaking. We can always take a little pause and think about what to speak and how to. And the most important is to know about yourself, be a bit confident about yourself and feel free to present your thoughts. 

2. Voice and Breathing:

You should also start working upon your voice modulations. When to speak aloud, when to slow down and when to moderately continue the conversation. One has to also learn about taking proper breathing space, so while you are speaking it doesn't sounds odd enough to the listener. Voice modulations can be practiced by reading and speaking in a particular language to your friends or family members or teachers.

3. Relaxation

There are many exercises to relax before speaking which is important to practice. But what is most important is how we combine speaking with relaxation. As a result of saying a phrase, we should not gather tension; we should not get tensed. We should get relaxed and enjoy what we speak.

4. Acting - use more hands for conversation

There is no medicine to stop stammering. One of the things we can do is acting or role play. Taking different roles and expanding our perception of ourselves as people who stammer. You can take any book that you like, and try to role play. Use lower voice, relaxation, articulation, move your body, use all the previous exercises. Try to pass those feelings, those emotions that another person has. Be free to be someone else. Use hands and gestures to speak so that your body can also align to what you are speaking or wanting to speak. This alignment is indeed necessary to gain more of confidence about what you are speaking and its authenticity.

5. Recording and Reading loudly

Record yourself. Record your voice or tell your friends to record your video so that you  can understand your speaking skills and body language while you speak. Reading any book is good but reading it aloud gives you confidence of pronunciation and understanding about the language you are reading.

6. Challenge yourself

Practice is the only thing that would give you all. Don't settle down for a little improvement; thrive to attempt again and again to make yourself the person you always desire to. Challenge your own self for constant improvement in stammering while speaking. And never stop believing in yourself.

Our team at Maruti Overseas constantly guides and make our students practice the art of speaking and reading. Self control and patience is the key to anything. For more feel free to get in touch.

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