Preparing for the oral examinations can be nerve wracking enough as it is, whether you are tackling PSLE or O Level English. But what if all this pressure becomes detrimental to your performance? Imagine the vexing frustration of having prepared weeks ahead, only to find yourself dumbfounded from stagefright and the jitters!
That’s why WRITERS AT WORK is here to share 6 easy-to-follow tips that help students stay calm, focused, and confident on exam day.
1. Connect With Your Audience
When preparing for the school oral examinations, remember to shift your focus away from yourself, whether it’s your nerves or that breakfast burrito you now regret. That cold sweat trickling down your temple? It’s a clear sign to the examiner that you’re feeling uneasy.
Appear confident—chin up, eye contact on. The main goal? Communicate your thoughts clearly. When you redirect your energy toward connecting with the examiner, your delivery becomes more genuine and impactful.
Sure, the burrito might be causing a ruckus down there, but that’s for after the exam. Right now, stay present. Making a real connection with your listener will help them stay engaged as you share your ideas.
2. Focus on Mindful Breathing
Breathing may seem automatic, but when nerves kick in, we tend to breathe fast and shallow. That disrupts oxygen flow to the brain and makes it harder to think clearly.
Focus on deep belly breathing—slow, steady, controlled. It keeps your body grounded and helps your voice stay steady. If you’re breathing calmly, you’ll find it easier to project and articulate your ideas without involuntary squeaks or rushed speech. We don’t want those now, do we?
3. Share Your Joy
Lack of enthusiasm or confidence is easy to detect—it seeps into your tone and pace. Imagine talking about your favourite show, a fun school memory, or a game you love. That spark? It’s contagious.
Find something relatable or personal you can bring into your oral response. Tapping into your own lived experiences or interests leaves less room for doubt—and a lot more space for authenticity. Speak clearly, speak passionately, and don’t be afraid to show you care about what you’re saying.
Just remember—stick to the topic and don’t get too carried away!
4. Embrace the Opportunity
We get it—oral exams can feel daunting. But what if you reframed it? What if it wasn’t just a test, but a chance to speak openly and be heard?
Approach the exam like you’re sharing your thoughts with someone genuinely interested. Is the topic about community? Environment? School life? Identify the main idea and shape your message around it. The examiner wants to hear how you think—and how you see the world.
How often do you get asked for your opinion in school and really get to run with it? This is that moment.
5. Show Your Talent
Have you ever thought about how your voice can captivate an audience? Don’t think of this as “just another oral exam.” Think of it as a mini performance.
You’re not just giving answers—you’re presenting your ideas with style. Speak clearly, embrace your voice, and let your personality shine. If you’ve ever watched a TikTok Live or Twitch stream, you’ll know how powerful authentic delivery can be.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we help students discover that voice—and use it confidently in any setting.
6. Move That Body
Anxiety can be physical. Shaky hands, tight shoulders, tapping feet. Even the most seasoned speakers feel it.
So why not move a little? Do some gentle stretches or walk around before your exam. It boosts blood flow, loosens tension, and—when paired with mindful breathing—helps you focus. Just don’t overdo it. We want your ideas to flow, not your sweat!
The only person who should be breathless is the examiner—because of how well you delivered.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe oral exams should empower students, not intimidate them. Through structured English oral practice, engaging speaking activities, and supportive coaching, we equip students with the mindset and tools to speak with confidence.
Whether your child is preparing for PSLE or O Level English oral exams, we’re here to support their voice—one sentence at a time. Want more oral exam tips and strategies? Keep visiting our blog page for fresh updates and insights tailored for students and parents or sign up for trial class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1. How can I help my child feel less nervous during oral exams?
Encourage your child to practise regularly and simulate exam conditions at home. Breathing exercises and familiarising them with common question formats can also reduce anxiety.
Q2.What should my child focus on during the PSLE oral exam?
Clarity, structure, and confidence. Encourage them to stay on topic, speak slowly, and connect with the examiner as if they’re having a real conversation.
Q3. Is it okay if my child uses personal examples during the exam?
Yes! Personal experiences often help students sound more natural and engaged. Just make sure the example is relevant to the topic.
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.
