Come 30 mins before the exam. You might get a few more minutes to prepare (normally 20mins prep time)
Take notes. Real notes. Notes consist of single words or three word phrases. Never write full sentences.
Take the notes in English. All you need is a trigger in the exam.
Make sure to memorize the structure of your presentation (Goethe exams only but also partly useful for TELC exams).
Make sure to communicate with your exam partner. Do not hold monologues (except maybe in the self-introduction at the beginning but that will be clear by the instruction of the examiner.
Dealing with difficult exam partners:
Learn standard phrases like:
Es tut mir leid, aber ich verstehe Dich (immer noch) nicht. or
Kannst du bitter langsamer sprechen?
If your partner is weaker / stronger than you lead / let them lead. Social interaction stands in high regard with examiners.
Ignore the examiners (unless they are your exam partners, which usually doesn't happen in TELC or Goethe exams).
Drink a tiny portion of Schnaps (non-smelly alcohol) and drink it just before the examination room. A bit or orange juice makes it taste nicer. Don't do this if you are a (former) alcoholic or have any other serious issue with alcohol. Alcohol is a remedy in this case.
Practice your oral exam (naked) in front of a mirror. Get used to feeling vulnerable. This might do it. Make sure there's no one around you don't want to be around.
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