How to introduce yourself in an IELTS speaking exam: Your first chance to impress

how to introduce yourself in an IELTS speaking exam can be easier than you think. It’s your first chance to make a great first impression and set a positive tone for the rest of the test. Imagine this as meeting a new teacher, being polite, confident, and clear right from the start will help you feel at ease.

For many Nigerian and African students, IELTS is a key requirement to study or work abroad. That means a clear, confident intro can help you start strong. So take a deep breath, smile, and greet your examiner like a pro to begin the test on a high note. Many students often wonder how to introduce yourself in an ielts speaking exam without sounding scripted. 

Here, you’ll learn what to say, what not to say, and how to introduce yourself in a way that helps you score higher, without sounding like you memorized a script. And if you want to practice everything in this guide, ExcelMind is the smartest and most affordable way to do it.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step.

Read Also: How Is IELTS Listening Test Conducted

Why a Good Introduction Matters

Your introduction is more than just a formality. It is a chance to make a strong first impression on the examiner. The IELTS speaking test starts with general questions about you. If you begin confidently, the examiner will feel at ease and view your English more positively. 

A nervous or unclear start might create the opposite effect. Being clear and polite at the start can help you do better overall. In other words, don’t overthink how to introduce yourself in an ielts speaking exam, focus on being friendly and honest. Now let’s break down exactly what to say and do when the examiner starts the conversation.

Steps to introduce yourself in IELTS speaking

If you’re wondering how to introduce yourself in an ielts speaking exam step by step, just follow these simple steps:

1. Greet the examiner warmly. Smile and reply with a polite greeting. For example, say “Hello” or “Good morning”. Use a formal greeting, avoid saying “Hi” as it is too casual. A friendly smile and greeting show that you are relaxed and respectful.
   
2. Say your name clearly. Right after greeting, introduce yourself by name. For example: “My name is Ada” or “Hello, I’m Joseph.” Keep it simple and speak slowly. You can add a nickname if you like (for example, “you can call me Ada”), but just saying your name is enough. Speaking slowly and clearly helps the examiner catch your name.
   
3. Share where you are from. Next, briefly say where you live or where you come from. For example: “I’m from Lagos, Nigeria” or “I live in Accra.” A phrase like “I come from [City], [Country]” works well.
   
   If the examiner already has your details, you can just confirm them, like “Yes, I’m from Lagos.” Don’t go into a long description of your hometown unless asked, keep it short.
   
4. Say what you do. Then mention your main occupation or study. If you are a student, say what you study and where: e.g. “I study engineering at the University of Lagos.” If you work, say your job: e.g. “I’m a teacher at a primary school.”
   
   (If you both study and work, just mention one of them.) Keep it brief and honest. For example, “Currently, I’m a final-year student studying economics” tells the examiner what you do in one sentence.
   
5. Add a brief personal touch (if needed). If you have a moment left, you might add one short personal detail, like a hobby or interest. For example: “In my free time I enjoy reading books.” This is optional and only if it fits naturally.
   
   The main goal is to answer clearly, not to give your life story. (If you say you love reading books, be ready in case the examiner asks what kinds of books you read, a simple example is fine.)

Each of these points helps the examiner learn about who you are. Practicing these tips will help you answer the question how to introduce yourself in an ielts speaking exam confidently and naturally. While doing this, speak clearly and at a natural pace. It’s okay to speak a bit slower than usual so each word is understood.

Try not to mumble or rush. Keep a calm rhythm: pause briefly if you need to think, and use a small filler like “um” or “well” to sound natural. A relaxed smile and direct eye contact can also help you feel more confident.

If you say a word wrong, just correct it quietly and move on, don’t apologize too much. If you make a small mistake, continue: dwelling on it or saying “sorry” every second word wastes time and confidence.

Common mistakes to avoid

When learning how to introduce yourself in an IELTS speaking exam, avoid these mistakes:

• Using informal greetings or slang. Stick to a polite greeting like “Hello” or “Good morning.” Avoid casual words or jokes at the very start.
  
• Memorizing your introduction. If you try to memorize exactly how to introduce yourself in an ielts speaking exam, you may freeze up or sound forced. Instead, practice the ideas you want to say in your own words and speak naturally.
  
• Giving too much detail. Answer briefly. If asked where you live, just say the city and country. Don’t start telling a long story about your family or hometown. Keep your answer direct and wait for the next question.
  
• Speaking too softly. Make sure the examiner can hear you. Speak at a clear volume – not too loud, but not a whisper. If the examiner has to ask you to repeat, it will lower your score.
  
• Using filler words too often. A small pause or “um” is okay, but avoid filling every sentence with words like “you know” or “like”. Too many fillers can hurt your fluency.
  
• Worrying about the examiner’s reaction. The IELTS test isn’t about impressing the examiner, and focusing on their body language will only distract you. Instead, concentrate on your answers. The examiner will just listen to what you say, not judge you on your expression. Keep your focus on what you want to say.
  
• Dwelling on mistakes. If you say something wrong, just continue and correct yourself once. Excessive apologizing (like saying “sorry” too much) wastes time and draws attention to the mistake, which can hurt your fluency.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll sound more relaxed and confident. The goal is to sound natural and clear, showing the examiner that you can communicate easily in English.

Practice and confidence

Practice is the key. Try repeating your introduction out loud, record yourself, or practice with a friend. The more you speak about yourself, the more confident you will become. A simple way is to say aloud: “Hello, my name is [Name]. I come from [City]. I study [Subject].” Do this every day to build comfort. Repetition helps make your introduction feel automatic.

Try using a mirror or recording tool. Practice your introduction in front of a mirror or record yourself with your phone. Listening back helps you catch mistakes in pronunciation and see if your body language looks confident. You could even practice with a friend acting as the examiner. The more you do it, the less nervous you’ll feel.

It might help to think of the examiner like a friendly teacher. They want to hear you speak, not trick you. Before your test, imagine the scene: take a deep breath, walk in with confidence, shake the examiner’s hand, smile, and say, “Hello, I’m [Your Name].” Doing this mentally can make the real moment feel less scary.

Remember to use your regular speaking voice. You don’t need fancy words or a perfect accent. It’s more important to speak clearly at a moderate pace. If you don’t know a word during the test, try explaining it simply. The examiner cares more about clear communication than complicated vocabulary. If your mind goes blank at any point, that’s okay. 

How ExcelMind Can Help You Pass IELTS at Once

ExcelMind gives you the right tools and practice to speak with confidence and pass your IELTS test on your first try. Here’s how it helps:

• Practice Speaking Like the Real Test
  ExcelMind gives you speaking practice that feels like a real IELTS exam. You can answer common speaking questions, including how to introduce yourself, and get used to the test format.
  
• Improve Your Fluency and Pronunciation
  The app gives you feedback on your speaking, how smooth your words sound and how clear your pronunciation is. This helps you sound more natural when you talk.
  
• Personalized Study Plan for Your Level
  Whether you’re just starting out or already good at English, ExcelMind creates a study plan that fits you. If you struggle with speaking, it gives you more speaking exercises. If it’s vocabulary, it works on that instead.
  
• Take Full IELTS Mock Tests
  You can take full speaking tests and other IELTS sections like listening, reading, and writing. These mock tests feel just like the real exam, so you know what to expect.
  
• Instant Feedback After Every Practice
  After each test or exercise, you get feedback that tells you what you did well and what needs more work. This way, you always know your progress and what to fix.
  
• Offline Study Mode
  Don’t worry if your internet is unstable. You can download your study plan and continue learning without data. This makes it easy to study anywhere, even without Wi-Fi.
  
• Affordable for Students
  ExcelMind is very affordable. There’s even a free plan to get started. The paid plans cost less than private lessons or classroom courses.
  
• Support from a Learning Community
  You’re not alone. You can join live practice sessions and learn alongside other students. It’s easier and less stressful when you study with others.
  
• Special Focus on Introductions
  The app helps you practice how to introduce yourself in an IELTS speaking exam by giving you mock interview questions and tips on how to answer clearly and with confidence.
  
• Helps You Stay Consistent
  ExcelMind reminds you to practice often. A little every day helps you improve faster and prepares you fully before test day.

See Also: What Is the Passing Score of IELTS? Ansered! 2025

Now you have a clear plan. You know each step to introduce yourself in the IELTS speaking test, and you have tools to practice. The next step is practice, practice, practice.

Download or sign up for the ExcelMind app now and start your personalised speaking practice plan. Use the app’s exercises to practice your greeting and introduction until it feels natural. With each practice, imagine yourself confidently greeting the examiner.

Don’t hesitate to start today. The sooner you practice, the sooner you will feel ready. Consistent practice beats cramming. Spend just a few minutes each day on your introduction, and you’ll feel more prepared by test day. 

For example, you might even write down the question “how to introduce yourself in an IELTS speaking exam“ a few times, then practice saying your answer. The more you repeat your answers out loud, the more confident and natural you will feel.

Ready to ace your IELTS speaking test? Consistent practice and the right tools will help you introduce yourself smoothly and pass the IELTS speaking exam on your first try. Stay positive and trust in your practice, you can do this now! Stay positive and trust in your practice, you can do this now!

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