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.
To succeed, you’ll need to:
Here are some key phrases to enhance your performance:
Use phrases like:
Empathy is crucial in OET Speaking. Acknowledge the patient’s feelings instead of dismissing them.
Ask specific, open-ended questions:
This encourages the patient to share their concerns openly.
Signposting helps structure your responses. For example:
Use phrases like these to signal to the patient what topic you are going to discuss.
Before explaining conditions or treatments, find out what the patient already knows:
Keep the patient involved by asking:
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:
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
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Back to Menu ↩ The OET Speaking sub-test for Medicine is your opportunity to demonstrate the clinical communication and linguistic skills you use every day
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