TOEFL, EIKEN, TOEIC

8 Steps to more confidence for test takers

These steps helped me to overcome crippling shyness and lack of confidence in my late teens. Some of the specifics have been adapted to a test-taking situation. They should help you to present yourself confidently when asked to speak during these tests.

You are going to create a movie, in your mind, of your performance at the test.

♥ First, picture yourself arriving at the test. You walk in the door confidently and find the room with a sense of anticipation, because you know you are prepared, and you can feel that you are going to pass.

♥ You imagine yourself walking into the room confidently, because you know the judges are just people, and they all have their joys as well as their challenges, just like you have. They all have to cook their meals, pay their bills, and clean their houses, or find someone who is willing to do those things for them. So no matter how stern they look or seem, you are their equal among the human race.

♥ Smile at the judges politely. This is very important. It will create confidence in you, and pleasant anticipation in the judges.

♥ Next, you hear them asking you to introduce yourself, or whatever is the standard procedure for your particular test. Practice your answer aloud, speaking with confidence, because you know the answer to this question very well.

♥ Now it is time for your speech. Picture yourself listening carefully, because you want to hear exactly what you are being asked. You are able to hear the topic perfectly, and you are able to think through the main points of your speech with a clear mind.

♥ Now listen to your voice, in your mind, as you present your speech. You know it is only a short time that you have to speak, and you deliver your opening sentence, your examples or reasons are logical, and your concluding sentence creates the idea for the judges that you are confident about speaking on many topics in English, because you have studied and dedicated plenty of time to this endeavor.

♥ Now they may ask you a few questions. Again, it will depend on which test you are taking. You see yourself answering their questions easily, because you have studied many topics, and you are able to expound completely and in detail.

Finally, you smile again and thank the judges. You leave the room with a spring in your step, because you know you have done well. You imagine yourself arriving at home with a sense of accomplishment, because you are fluent in English, and you did your best on the test.

If you practice these steps at least once or twice a day, imagining the details as vividly as possible, it will really help you to feel more confident, because it’s like actually practicing these situations.

If you have questions, please send them by email.