1. Find out about the most common IELTS topics. You can find these out with a quick search on the internet... you will find that common topics include things like travel, the internet, the environment etc 2. Then find both articles and podcasts about these topics so that you start to learn the necessary vocabulary about these topics. BBC world service podcasts are very good. 3. Then find a teacher to practice speaking using the format of the actual IELTS exam.

Hello Derek, Andrew's answer is good but I would also add to make sure you have speaking exam strategies for this exam. This will help you to deal with the different parts. Best wishes Bob