Oral Exam Tip: How to Think on Your Feet-Speak Effectively Under Pressure

By WR!TERS@WORK

Delivering an average presentation is something anyone can do, but what happens when you’re faced with challenging questions? Here’s a guide on how to think quickly and communicate effectively under pressure! Speaking to invigilators at high stake exams (E.g. PSLE / O-Level / DSA interviews) can be extremely nerve-wracking.

Let’s not forget the millions of people worldwide who have a genuine fear of public speaking. Even for those of us who don’t fear it, speaking in front of invigilators or audience always involves handling pressure. When you add in the possibility of a tough audience or unexpected questions from the invigilators, it can feel like the pressure has suddenly skyrocketed.

While having well-prepared content is important in handling this kind of pressure, there’s another level of preparation needed – being able to think on your feet. Below are two exercises that aim to help you not just survive but thrive in high-pressure scenarios.

You can choose one or both exercises based on the type of pressure you anticipate facing. Remember, anyone can give a standard presentation; it’s up to you to set yourself apart to achieve high scores for exams or win a place through a DSA interview!

Fast and Furious: How to Write a Planned Response Quickly

Students are encouraged to practise this challenging exercise. Try generating a spontaneous planned response by picking a topic from a hat and crafting a 2 minute presentation within 10 minutes.

This activity will help students to hone their skills in structuring thoughts, presenting evidence, forming coherent arguments, and captivating the listeners with logical reasoning. It offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their ability to communicate persuasively and confidently, especially in high-pressure situations.

Through regular practice, students can develop the proficiency needed to articulate their ideas clearly and concisely, making a compelling case for their viewpoints.

When doubts start creeping in as you try to make a point, acknowledge your inner critic’s attempt to protect you and recognize that fear often accompanies moments of significance. Embrace the opportunity to speak up confidently and assertively; remember that you have what it takes to convince the oral exam invigilators.

Engaging in this activity fosters critical thinking skills and strengthens one’s capability to convey complex ideas effectively to others. Ultimately, mastering these abilities not only heightens communication prowess but also boosts overall confidence in oral exams and public speaking scenarios.

One-Minute Impromptus is another engaging activity that pushes students out of their comfort zones. The challenge involves preparing notes on a given topic in just one minute before delivering a one-minute speech. This exercise helps individuals enhance their improvisation skills and ability to think on their feet. It encourages quick thinking and effective communication under pressure.

Students must be nimble in organising their thoughts within the limited time frame provided. This activity fosters creativity as individuals must come up with coherent ideas rapidly. One-Minute Impromptus also helps boost confidence by demonstrating the ability to speak confidently on a topic without much preparation. It is a fun and dynamic way to hone public speaking abilities while embracing uncertainty.

By requiring quick preparations and concise deliveries, One-Minute Impromptus trains individuals to be more adaptable and flexible speakers. This activity is valuable for oral exam preparations, as it simulates actual exam scenarios where individuals may need to present spontaneously without much prior notice. In essence, One-Minute Impromptus is an effective tool for improving impromptu speaking skills in a fast-paced and engaging manner.

Students can also find examples and videos on YouTube or TED. Ask your teachers or friends for feedback regularly. Make sure people will be honest with you. Ask them what you did well and one thing you can improve on. Don’t just ask for general feedback. Have people note when you talk too fast or too slow, so you know where to focus on improving.

Challenge yourself to increase awareness of your speech during daily interactions, striving to eliminate filler words like um and other bad speech habits. Whether conversing with friends or family, make a conscious effort to speak more fluently and confidently.

Practise clear communication by pausing instead of using filler words, ensuring your message is conveyed effectively. By being mindful of your speech quirks, you can improve the impact of your conversations and oral exam presentations.

Embrace this challenge as an opportunity for personal growth and development in communication skills. Set small goals each day to gradually minimise filler words and enhance your verbal communication abilities.

Your dedication to refining your speech patterns will lead to more effective and impactful interactions with others. Stay committed to this challenge and observe the positive changes it brings to your communication style.

Students who practise and refine communication skills will gain a sense of self-assurance when expressing your thoughts and feelings. This newfound confidence enables you to engage effectively in a wide range of scenarios and put you in good stead to score As for oral examinations.