Instead of the standard Today I'm going to talk about..., try opening differently.
An example
Over the past few months I've realised that my lifestyle hasn't always been very healthy, so I decided to...
Recently I noticed I was not in great shape, not living very healthily, so I made a change.
Change only the opening and the whole answer sounds different.
Why this works
IELTS examiners hear I'm going to talk about constantly. All day, candidate after candidate.
A small change makes your answer sound considerably better, and it costs you no advanced vocabulary at all.
Openings worth having ready
- Over the past few months...
- Over the past few years...
- A while back...
The pattern is the same: describe a recent change, or something you have just realised, and let it lead into the question.
Applied to a real prompt
Prompt: describe a memorable experience.
Rather than going straight at it:
A few years ago I went to Germany. I thought it was going to be an ordinary trip, but actually...
You have opened naturally, created a little curiosity, and given yourself somewhere to go next.