Mastering Body Language in the IELTS Speaking Test

Mastering Body Language in the IELTS Speaking Test

Feeling nervous is a very common phenomenon but during the IELTS Speaking test, it becomes a set-back for many. This nervousness is a consequence of an adrenaline hit in your body, the ‘fight or flight’ hormone, preparing you for upcoming threats or the present situation. Mastering the skill of body-language gives one a much larger edge over the masses, individuals who allow anxiety caused by an exam to reflect on their faces.

Even though it is a bodily response that seems impossible to be gotten rid of, a research in embedded cognition lights a lamp of hope in such scenarios. According to scientists, a two-way connection is shared between the mind and the body, which implies feelings can impact how your body reacts (which we popularly know as body language) or vice-versa. The latter becomes an effective tool called ‘mimicking’. As feelings lead to a specific body language, consciously controlled body language can eventually alter the state of someone’s mind. As they famously say, “Fake it till you make it!”

There are certain hindrances that come when using the tool – the mind resists. It refuses to believe or accept anything of effort, anything out of its comfort zone. Yet, like many other things, persistence is key. One must consciously create the new normal; a new comfort zone with simple, constructive steps:

OBSERVATION

The very first step to any kind of change is knowing the problem and the root cause. Knowing comes from the simple act of silent observation. And therefore, observe. It is best to make it a conscious habit to note the body’s response, behaviour and how it feels at a given moment. Turning it into a habit ensures you don’t forget to tune into your body language during the exam out of anxiety. Having observed your body language before gives a solid idea of your own personal body responses and what makes it feel confident. It creates a conscious connect of what behaviour is associated with what thought pattern to provide the required knowledge to control

During and right before the exam, look for any signs of muscle stiffness. The first line of action then should be relaxation. Focussing on breathing, letting go of thoughts and being in the present moment are all effective ways and can be attuned to easily if practised beforehand. The second line of action should to fix any kind of unprofessional positioning. Acts like slouching are a huge turn-off and negatively impact both, the mind and the viewer’s perception. Erecting your spine, relaxing your shoulders, making eye contact and smiling help generate confidence within you and radiate outward to the examiner as well, putting forth a positive image.

IMITATION

The real work begins here – on a mental as well as a physical level. Chanting to your brain ‘I am confident’ or ‘I am relaxed’ will help you tune in to that energy and actually feel so. Repetitive thoughts often shape actions and behaviours and inculcating this into habit way before the exam can have a positive influence of the mind’s functioning. It is also always good friendly reminder right before the exam, but it is also important to not stay stuck on that thought – to believe it and to move on. Anytime, you feel yourself tremble or deviate from your confidence, breathe deeply and repeat the process. Similar to mental plane, physically indicating to your mind via mimicking confident body language can have a positive effect to. If not practised well in advanced, the grip on body language can be easily and quickly lost, but it is always a good idea to keep reminding and repeating the process every time the body tries to fall back into regular habits.

Breathing is always an essential. Being focussed on breathing at all times has massive effect on the mind’s abilities. Ensuring deep breaths and proper oxygen supply maintains crystal clear mental functioning – remember to also be well hydrated. Your brain uses up a lot of water and oxygen, and so, dehydration and shallow breathing can actually lead you to forget, stutter or even make you sound robotic when you talk.

THINGS ALL APPLICANTS MUST ACCEPT

An exam is not the end of the world, the examiner cannot eat you up. An examiner sits there to do their job and evaluate. Having prepared well in advance, you must know you’re in your best place to perform. The examiner is just as human as the rest of us and understand your feelings and your behaviour. They are not blind to the fact that we, as humans, feel nervous in stressful situations. They just intend to seek those who can handle it well.

With the examiner, this is just a conversation and you must treat it like one. Look at the speaking exam as an opportunity to communicate your ideas well and in a friendly manner. Allow yourself to ask questions and answer their questions honestly as well. The knowledge of an applicant is not being tested; their fluency is. Hence, allow yourself to reflect only your true thoughts confidently and clearly.

A few jitters are only natural – accept them and act on it. As long as you know you’re prepared, have faith in your own self and just get into the exam. Time will fly, and it will be over eventually.

For more tips

TIPS TO ACE YOUR IELTS SPEAKING TEST

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