W@W Blog

English Oral Practice-10 Mantras for Confident Speaking

The oral exam can feel intimidating for many students—especially if they’re unsure of what to expect or how to calm their nerves. A strong English oral practice routine helps ease anxiety and builds the confidence needed to speak clearly and calmly during the exam.

Instead of dwelling on fear or self-doubt, students can build a positive mindset with something as simple as a few well-chosen words. That’s where mantras come in—short, affirming phrases that help them stay focused and self-assured.

🌟 Here are 10 mantras students can say to themselves before their PSLE or O-Level English oral exam:

1. I can learn to speak effectively.
2. Most nervousness doesn’t show.
3. My message matters to the examiner.
4. I am prepared and ready.
5. The less I think about the situation, the better I’ll be.
6. The examiner wants to give me marks.
7. I am knowledgeable and can handle the unexpected.
8. If I don’t know something, I will learn it in time.
9. What an opportunity to take my oral exam!
10. I am here to pass my oral exams.

These mantras work best when students recite them calmly before they walk into the exam room. It helps settle their nerves and reminds them that they’ve got what it takes.

Doing well in your oral exam is a combination of several skills – students not only need to have the requisite content knowledge, but also the speaking style which is eloquent and confident. Students typically get very little practice for the oral exam, as this is one of the aspects of the English curriculum which is often overlooked.

For students who require a confidence boost and more practice, WRITERS AT WORK can help you build your content knowledge and develop good habits for the English oral examination!

Master the English Language with WRITERS AT WORK

⚠️ Mastering English doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, structure, and encouragement—and that’s what we offer at WRITERS AT WORK.

Whether your child needs help with oral fluency, writing, comprehension, or just building the confidence to speak in front of others, we’re here to support them every step of the way.

🌟Explore our weekly comprehensive English programmes or sign up for one of our holiday programmes to give your child a head start.

Let’s build not just good English skills, but strong, expressive voices. 💪

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. Can mantras really help reduce exam nerves?

Yes! When repeated regularly, mantras help reframe negative thoughts and boost your child’s self-belief before they speak.

Q2. How should students deal with tough or unexpected oral questions?

Stay calm, take a pause, and focus on what you know. Our lessons at WRITERS AT WORK teach students how to handle such moments with clarity.

Q3. Do your holiday programmes or comprehensive english programmes include speaking practice?

Yes! Our holiday programmes include modules focused on oral communication and public speaking confidence for all levels. Our comprehensive English programmes cover not only oral skills but also writing.

Q4. How can WRITERS AT WORK help with oral exam preparation?

Our programmes combine structured English oral practice, real exam simulations, and personalised feedback. We focus on building confidence, clarity, and connection.

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