How to Introduce Yourself in IELTS Speaking Test

A strong start can set the tone for your entire IELTS Speaking test. While each examiner may differ slightly, the structure of the IELTS Speaking test remains consistent. Knowing how to introduce yourself confidently can help reduce anxiety and leave a positive first impression on your examiner.

Going through the IELTS speaking test is a real challenge, especially in a language that is not your native. When you have to introduce yourself in the IELTS speaking test, you have to be very confident in your language skills. 

One of the very first questions you will be asked is: "What is your name?" This might seem easy, as we are introducing ourselves from childhood. But, how you answer this question sets the tone for your speaking test of IELTS exam. Examiners pay attention to your pronunciation, fluency, and confidence, even in the basic introduction.

If you are able to introduce yourself properly to the examiner, the rest of the conversation will become smooth and successful. This article includes the answers on how to answer "What’s your name?" in IELTS Speaking with clarity, fluency, and a touch of personalization.

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Introduction: Why This Question Matters in IELTS Speaking Part 1?

Although "What’s your name?" is a simple question, your response gives the examiner their first impression of your speaking ability. The IELTS Speaking Part 1 is designed to relax you into the test, and this question helps assess:

• Your fluency and coherence
• Pronunciation of your name and other basic words
• Grammatical range (even in short answers)
• Your confidence and naturalness in spoken English

Also Check: IELTS Speaking Vocabulary

Introduction to IELTS Speaking Test

Before jumping into exactly how you should introduce yourself, understand how the IELTS Speaking test works. The IELTS speaking test is all about how clearly you can communicate in English. 

The IELTS speaking test is divided into three main parts, and your introduction happens right at the beginning, in IELTS speaking Part 1. This section helps the examiner get to know you better and sets the tone for the rest of your speaking test.

• IELTS Speaking Part 1: Simple questions about you, your family, your background, or your interests.
• IELTS Speaking Part 2: You get an IELTS cue card with a specific topic. You speak for about 2 minutes.
• IELTS Speaking Part 3: A deeper discussion in IELTS on the topic introduced in Part 2.

The introduction lasts approximately 30-40 seconds, during which the examiner confirms your identity, asks for your full name, and possibly a few personal questions about where you live or what you do.

How to Introduce Yourself in IELTS Speaking?

Introducing yourself is one of the first things we learn since childhood. Your self-introduction says a lot about your personality. Here are some key components for a strong self-introduction in IELTS:

Greetings and Your Name:

Always start by greeting the examiner politely and confidently. This shows your IELTS preparation and seriousness. After greeting, clearly state your full name.

Background Information:

In this part, you usually answer basic questions about yourself, where you are from, what you do, your family, or your education.

Interests and Hobbies:

The examiner often asks about your hobbies and interests in IELTS Speaking Part 1. You should explain your hobbies clearly, telling what they are and why you enjoy them.

Future Plans and Goals:

Sometimes the examiner will ask you about your future plans or goals. Answer this question by showing how clearly you've thought about your future.

Let’s now look at some samples of self-introductions to understand better.

Samples of IELTS Self-Introductions

Here we will discuss some examples of how to introduce yourself in IELTS Speaking clearly and naturally.

IELTS Self-Introductions Sample 1

Question: Good Morning! My name is Sarah Brown. What's your name?
Answer: Good morning, Ma’am! My name is Anjali Sharma.

Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I'm from Chandigarh, a beautiful city known for its clean environment.

Question: Can you tell me something about yourself?
Answer: I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Management from Panjab University. Right now, I am working as an assistant manager at a local bank.

Question: What do you like doing in your free time?
Answer: In my free time, I love painting landscapes and spending time gardening at home.

At the end, you can say:
"I'm looking forward to today's test and eager to share my thoughts clearly in English."

Explanation

This candidate introduces herself in a clear and simple manner, mentioning her educational and professional background concisely. She adds a personal touch by mentioning specific hobbies.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

IELTS Self-Introductions Sample 2

Question: Good Afternoon! Could I have your name, please?
Answer: Good afternoon, Sir! My name is Vikram Singh.

Question: Your candidate number, please?
Answer: My candidate number is PB6789.

Question: Could you introduce yourself and tell me where you live?
Answer: I live in Ludhiana, Punjab, famous for its textile industry. Recently, I completed my master's degree in English Literature from Punjab Agricultural University. Currently, I teach English at a local school.

Question: Do you enjoy watching movies, and what kind do you prefer?
Answer: Yes, I enjoy movies, especially historical and biographical films. I find them both educational and entertaining. I usually watch movies on weekends to relax.

You can conclude positively with:
"I'm happy to be here today and eager to discuss more topics in English."

Explanation

This candidate gives a clear introduction with specific information about his city, education, and interests. The answer is brief, organized, and effective.

IELTS Self-Introductions Sample 3

Question: Hello! I am Emma Wilson. What's your name?
Answer: Hello Ma'am, my name is Riya Gupta, but you can call me Riya.

Question: Your candidate number?
Answer: My candidate number is DL5432.

Question: Tell me something about your city.
Answer: I'm from Lucknow, known for its historical monuments and delicious food. It's also called the City of Nawabs.

Question: Do you have an interest in music?
Answer: Yes, music has always fascinated me. I particularly enjoy classical Indian music and sometimes Western pop. I also play the guitar, which helps me relax and express my feelings.

End your introduction by saying:
"I’m excited to discuss my interests today. Thanks for this opportunity."

Explanation

The candidate introduces herself confidently, clearly describing her city and her passion for music. Her answers are short, relevant, and natural.

Practice Now: IELTS Speaking Practice Test

How to Respond to Follow-up questions in IELTS Speaking? 

Step 1: Greeting the Examiner

Greet the examiner naturally yet professionally. Suitable greetings include:

• “Hello”
• “Hi”
• “Good morning” (used typically before noon)
• “Good afternoon” (used after noon)

Example interaction:

• Examiner: "Hello, nice to meet you."
• Candidate: "Nice to meet you, too."

Avoid overly informal greetings or uncommon phrases, as these might seem unnatural or inappropriate.

Step 2: Responding to "What's Your Full Name?"

Examiners typically ask, “What’s your full name?” Answer clearly and precisely, exactly as written in your passport:

• “My full name is Rohan Raj.”
• “My name is Rohan Raj.”

If your passport has your middle names, make sure to include them. But if your passport doesn't show your father's name or patronymic, you can skip mentioning it during your introduction.

Step 3: How to Answer "What Shall I Call You?"

Many examiners, particularly in the UK or Australia, will ask, "What shall I call you?" This question helps establish comfort and familiarity. Answer clearly and comfortably:

• "Please call me Raj."
• "Everyone calls me Raj."

If your name is challenging to pronounce for native speakers, this is an excellent opportunity to simplify it.

Example:
"My full name is Aishwarya Bhatnagar, but please call me Aish."

Step 4: Answering "Where Are You From?"

The examiner might ask, "Where are you from?"When asked about your origin, provide a concise yet complete answer. The examiner does not expect elaborate details but appreciates clarity.

• "I'm from New Delhi, India.
• "I'm originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan."

This isn't a question requiring detailed explanations or elaborations—clarity and brevity are key.

Step 5: Showing Your Identification

The examiner will ask for identification, usually your passport. Keep it simple:

• "Yes, here it is."
• "Here is my passport."

No additional information is required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During IELTS Introductions

Knowing what pitfalls to avoid ensures your introduction is smooth and stress-free.

Mistake 1: Overly Long or Rehearsed Answers

IELTS examiners prefer natural, spontaneous interactions. Avoid long or memorized answers:

• Incorrect: "I recently graduated in computer engineering, and my work involves various programming languages and complex algorithms..."
• Better: "I graduated last summer, and now I'm working as a software engineer."

Mistake 2: Providing Unnecessary Information

Keep your responses brief and relevant. The introduction is not the time for detailed background information:

• Incorrect: "I moved to Delhi five years ago for work, but before that, I lived in Patna..."
• Better: "I'm currently living in Delhi."

Mistake 3: Incorrect or Incomplete Answers

Give clear and complete answers that directly respond to the examiner’s question. If asked for your full name, state it exactly as in your passport.

Examples of Excellent IELTS Introductions

Candidate 1 (simple and effective):
"Good morning. My full name is Aishwarya Bhatnagar. Please call me Aish. I'm from Delhi."

Candidate 2 (friendly and clear):
"Hello! My name is Anshuman Raj, but everyone calls me Ansh. I live in Noida, Uttar Pradesh."

These examples demonstrate clarity, confidence, and appropriate brevity.

IELTS Speaking Tips for Introduction Questions

• Keep it short and clear: Don’t overthink.
• Speak confidently: Smile and keep eye contact.
• Practice aloud: Get used to hearing your voice.
• Record yourself: Listen for clarity and pronunciation.

Answering "What’s your name?" in the IELTS Speaking test might seem simple, but it's a great opportunity to show your fluency, pronunciation, and confidence early on.

The IELTS Speaking introduction is your first opportunity to impress your examiner. Keep your responses brief, friendly, and confident. Avoid memorized scripts, maintain natural language, and follow these tips to ensure a strong, positive beginning to your IELTS Speaking test.

A great start not only boosts your confidence but also sets a smooth path for the rest of your IELTS test.

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