What is the best way to prepare for the speaking exam?

Start early and write down what you want to say. Check that it meets all the required learning outcomes and the markscheme. Next practise reading it out loud (you could read it to someone who is a native speaker or record yourself saying it). This is an essential step as things sound different when read out loud rather than just written down and this will help you decide if you are happy with your presentation. Once you are happy you should learn it off by heart, there are a number of ways to do this including recording yourself and listening back and practicing often for short amounts. It is also a good idea to anticipate what the examiner might ask you and to prepare some answers to a range of questions. Feeling prepared is the best way to help nerves and do as best as you can in the exam. Good luck!