Say THESE Phrases in OET Speaking: Boost Your Score with Expert Tips!

January 2025
SLC

The OET speaking test can feel daunting, but using the right phrases can make all the difference. In the test, you’ll perform two role plays with a patient or carer.

Table of Contents

1. Show Empathy
2. Explore Concerns
3. Signpost Your Explanations
4. Check Existing Knowledge
5. Encourage Patient Input
What NOT to Say in OET Speaking
OET preparation
Free handout
Related articles
Subscribe to our newsletter

To succeed, you’ll need to:

Ask questions
Provide information
Use appropriate language
Demonstrate effective clinical communication skills

Here are some key phrases to enhance your performance:

1. Show Empathy

Use phrases like:

“It’s understandable you are worried.”

Empathy is crucial in OET Speaking. Acknowledge the patient’s feelings instead of dismissing them.

2. Explore Concerns

Ask specific, open-ended questions:

“Is there anything which concerns you about that?”
“You seem a little anxious; can you tell me what concerns you?”

This encourages the patient to share their concerns openly.

3. Signpost Your Explanations

Signposting helps structure your responses. For example:

“Let me explain…”
“I’d like to go through ways to manage your asthma, if that’s OK?”

Use phrases like these to signal to the patient what topic you are going to discuss.

4. Check Existing Knowledge

Before explaining conditions or treatments, find out what the patient already knows:

“What do you know about diabetes?”

5. Encourage Patient Input

Keep the patient involved by asking:

“How do you feel about that?”
“Do you have any questions about that?”

What NOT to Say in OET Speaking

To maintain professionalism and clarity:

❌ Avoid saying: “You shouldn’t worry about that.”
✅ Instead: “It’s understandable that you are worried.”

❌ Avoid using technical jargon like “We will administer some analgesia.”
✅ Instead: “We’ll give you some pain relief.”

For a comprehensive guide on mastering these phrases and techniques, watch our video packed with tips to boost your confidence and performance:

Enhance your English skills with Specialist Language Courses

Specialist Language Courses (SLC) are dedicated to helping healthcare professionals excel in the OET. Our expert-led courses focus on the specific language skills and test strategies needed to succeed. With personalised coaching, practice tests, and targeted exercises, we ensure you build the confidence and competence required for each OET sub-test. Join SLC to boost your chances of achieving the scores you need and advancing your healthcare career

Free Handout!

Don’t miss out on our free handout! It’s packed with extra tips, practical exercises, and a handy quick-reference guide to boost your skills in skimming and scanning.

Get the tools you need to excel in OET Reading A—download now!