1. Instead of learning new things use what you already have. Choose your words more carefully.
Instead of saying: say:
My grandmother is 83. ---) My grandmother on my mother's side is in her early eighties.
My grandma is 83. She is very healthy. --) Although my grandmother is in her early thirties, she is as fit as a fiddle.
I like football. I'm fond of team sports, especially football.
I don't like Maths. I'm not really interested in Mathematics.
I don't like him. He's always late. I'm really fed up with him because he tends to be late.
2. Prepare your collection of favourite phrases.
if you ask me,
last but not least,
I'm obsessed with ...
depends on ...
as far as I know ...
recharge my batteries ...
3. Don't be afraid to use 'advanced' level grammar:
If more people used public transport, there would be fewer traffic jams.
I wish I had more time to go to the theatre.
Esperanto is not worth learning.
I am always forgetting his name.
4. Learn a couple of fancy words:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/congenial-2021-12-19
"There's no question that Sloan was a competitor, but throughout the competition he was congenial and respectful…." — The Austin (Minnesota) Daily Herald, 3 Nov. 2021
Congenial means "pleasant, friendly, or suitable."
// The office is a congenial place to work.
// The tour guide was very congenial.
// The grapes thrive in the congenial climate.
5. Crack a joke or two. Maintain eye contact. Smile.
6. Be interesting and up-to-date.
7. Warm up before the exam. Instead of chatting in Hungarian or reading your facebook feed talk with someone in English. Or talk on your own, e.g. answer questions:
https://quizlet.com/656711354/language-cert-c1-flash-cards/
http://www.goodlucktoefl.com/toefl-writing-topics-agree-or-disagree.html
https://englishexam.blog.hu/2021/09/15/finish_the_proverbs_and_sayings
https://englishexam.blog.hu/2021/10/05/i_have_an_idea_316
https://englishexam.blog.hu/2021/06/21/inventions
https://englishexam.blog.hu/2021/05/17/fill_in_the_gaps_with_the_missing_words
