- When Peter first started preparing for IELTS, Part 2 of the speaking test terrified him. The idea of speaking for 2 minutes straight about a random topic with just a few notes? It felt impossible. Every time he practiced, he would freeze up, run out of things to say, and get stuck in his head.
We talked a lot about the test, and I kept reminding him: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about just speaking clearly and staying on track. Once he understood the band descriptors, he started to feel more confident. He didn’t need to be a master storyteller; he just had to:
Keep talking even if he wasn’t sure what to say next (fluency over perfection)
Use his notes, but not rely on them too much (you don’t need a script, just a roadmap)
Fill the time (no awkward silences—keep going, even if you’re not 100% sure)
Practice out loud (the more he practiced, the easier it got to talk for two minutes without panicking)
At first, it felt awkward. But Peter stuck with it—practicing every day, recording himself, and even simulating the test conditions with a timer. Over time, he got way better at staying on topic and speaking confidently, even if his answers weren’t perfect.
Test day? Still nervous, of course. But this time, he was ready. And guess what? He scored a 7.5!
Fast forward eight years—Peter’s living in Australia, working as a vet, and loving life. A few weeks ago, he came back to Taiwan with his Aussie wife, and we caught up over coffee.
It’s hard for him to believe he got so worked up over a little two-minute chat. But it can be nerve tracking if you’re not prepared.
What a great story! Hopefully an inspiration for some fellow learners out there!
