OET Speaking

Understanding the OET Speaking Sub-test

The OET Speaking sub-test uses role-play to assess your clinical communication skills. You'll take on your professional role while an interlocutor plays the role of a patient, relative, or carer.

Delivery Modes (OET on Computer, OET on Paper & OET@Home)

1. OET on Paper (at a Test Venue) 

• Format: All four sub-tests (LRWS) are completed on paper at a secure venue.
• Speaking: Conducted in-person at the venue with an interlocutor.
• Availability: Available for all 12 healthcare professions. 

2. OET on Computer (at a Test Venue) 

• Format: Listening, Reading, and Writing are completed on a computer at a Prometric venue.
• Speaking: Conducted via Zoom (or OET's Speaking Platform) with a live interlocutor.
• Availability: Currently available for Nursing and Medicine.
• Results: Typically available in 10 days, with faster turnaround times possible. 

3. OET@Home (Remote) 

• Format: All sub-tests are taken from home using Prometric's remote proctoring platform.
• Speaking: Conducted online via Zoom with a human interlocutor.
• Requirements: Requires a secure, private location, a stable internet connection, and a computer with a webcam.

Note: On a computer, the role card is displayed on your screen during the 3-minute prep and throughout the 5-minute speaking duration. In person, you have the physical card in your hand. You can refer to the card throughout the entire 5-minute role-play, and you can also make notes on the card (in person) or paper (online) during the prep time.

The "Interlocutor vs. Assessor" Distinction

It is vital to remember that the person you are talking to (the interlocutor) does not grade you.

• They are there only to play the role and ensure the conversation flows.
• Your grade is determined later by at least two independent assessors who listen to the audio recording. This means your audio clarity and volume are just as important as your empathy.

Test Format

Component

Details

Role-plays

2 scenarios

Preparation

3 minutes per role-play

Role-play duration

5 minutes each

Total time

~20 minutes

What You Receive

Role Card containing:

• The setting (where you are)
• Who you're speaking to (patient/relative/carer)
• The situation
• 3-4 tasks to complete

Assessment Criteria

Your performance is assessed in two main areas:

Linguistic Criteria (4 aspects covering pronunciation, pace, tone, and grammatical accuracy.

):

• Intelligibility
• Fluency
• Appropriateness of language
• Resources of grammar and expression

Clinical Communication Criteria (5 aspects covering empathy, structure, and how well you listen to the patient):

• Relationship building
• Understanding the patient’s perspective
• Providing structure
• Information gathering
• Information giving
• 
  

Role-Play Structure

Preparation Phase (2-3 minutes)

Use this time effectively:

1. Read the setting: Where are you? (ward, clinic, home visit)
2. Identify the person: Patient, family member, carer?
3. Understand the situation: What has happened?
4. Note all tasks: What must you achieve?
5. Plan your approach: How will you start? What order?

Expert Tip: When managing the Preparation Phase, do not just read the card; underline the specific "verbs" in the tasks (e.g., reassure, explain, persuade) to ensure you hit the correct clinical tone immediately.

Opening (30 seconds)

Greeting and introduction:

• Greet warmly: "Hello, good morning"
• Introduce yourself: "I'm [Name], the nurse/doctor looking after you today."
• Confirm identity: "Am I speaking with Mr./Mrs. [Name]?"

Set the agenda: "I'd like to talk with you about [topic]. Is that okay?"

Middle (3-4 minutes)

Complete all tasks from your role card:

• Each task typically needs about 1 minute
• Balance information giving with empathy
• Check understanding throughout

Typical task sequence:

1. Show empathy / acknowledge feelings
2. Gather information or clarify
3. Give information or explain
4. Discuss plan / give advice
5. Address concerns

Closing (30 seconds)

• Summarize key points
• Check for questions
• Offer reassurance if appropriate
• Explain the next steps
• Close warmly

Clinical Communication Strategies

Building Rapport

Opening phrases:

• "I understand this must be worrying for you."
• "It's completely natural to feel this way."
• "Thank you for sharing that with me."

Throughout:

• Use the patient's name
• Make supportive statements
• Acknowledge emotions

Gathering Information

Open questions:

• "Can you tell me more about...?"
• "What happened when...?"
• "How have you been feeling?"

A note on the emphasis of Patient-Centered Care:

Current medical standards place even higher weight on Shared Decision Making. Ensure you explicitly ask the patient about their preferences or "ideas, concerns, and expectations" (ICE) during the "Information Gathering" phase.

Clarifying:

• "Just to make sure I understand..."
• "So you're saying that...?"
• "Can you explain what you mean by...?"

Giving Information

Chunking: Give information in small pieces: "There are three things I'd like to explain. First... Second... Third..."

Checking understanding: "Does that make sense?" "Do you have any questions about that?" "Just to check, what's your understanding of...?"

Handling Difficult Situations

Breaking bad news:

1. Warning shot: "I'm afraid I have some concerning news…"
2. Give information simply and clearly
3. Pause for response
4. Respond to emotions
5. Provide support and next steps

Managing emotions:

• Acknowledge: "I can see you're upset."
• Empathize: "It's understandable to feel that way."
• Explore: "Would you like to tell me more about how you're feeling?"
• Support: "I'm here to help you through this."

Dealing with resistance:

• Listen without interrupting
• Acknowledge their perspective
• Explain your reasoning gently
• Offer alternatives where possible

Language for Common Scenarios

Explaining a Diagnosis

"Based on your symptoms and tests, it appears you have [condition]. This means [simple explanation]. The good news is [positive aspect]. What we need to do now is [plan]."

Giving Instructions

"It's really important that you [action]. The reason for this is [explanation]. The best way to do this is [how]. Do you think you'll be able to manage that?"

Discussing Medications

"I'm going to prescribe [medication] for you. You'll need to take [dose] [frequency]. The most common side effects are [effects], but these usually [resolve/are manageable]. Let me know if you experience [serious symptoms]."

Addressing Concerns

"I understand you're worried about [concern]. That's a very valid concern. Let me explain [reassurance/information]. What would help you feel more comfortable about this?"

Discussing Lifestyle Changes

"I'd like to talk about [topic]. I know this can be challenging, but [benefit]. Have you thought about ways you might be able to [change]? What do you think would work best for you?"

Profession-Specific Approaches

For Nurses

Common scenarios:

• Pre-operative patient education
• Discharge planning with patient/family
• Medication education
• Wound care instructions
• Dealing with anxious patients

Focus on:

• Patient education
• Practical care instructions
• Emotional support
• Family involvement

For Doctors

Common scenarios:

• Breaking bad news
• Explaining test results
• Discussing treatment options
• Informed consent
• Managing patient expectations

Focus on:

• Clear medical explanations
• Shared decision-making
• Risk/benefit discussions
• Follow-up planning

Common Role-Play Topics

Topic

Key Points to Cover

Pain management

Assessment, options, concerns about addiction

Medication adherence

Importance, barriers, strategies

Lifestyle changes

Motivation, barriers, support

Test results

Explanation, implications, next steps

Discharge planning

Medications, follow-up, warning signs

Pre-procedure anxiety

What to expect, risks, reassurance

Handling Interlocutor Prompts

The interlocutor will:

• Ask questions
• Express concerns
• Show emotions
• Request clarification

How to respond:

• Listen fully before responding
• Acknowledge what they've said
• Answer directly and clearly
• Check if you've addressed their concern

Time Management

During Preparation

Minutes

Activity

0-1

Read the setting and situation

1-2

Identify tasks and prioritize

2-3

Plan opening and key phrases

During Role-Play

Phase

Time

Focus

Opening

30 sec

Greeting, introduction, agenda

Task 1

1 min

Usually empathy/acknowledgment

Task 2

1.5 min

Information giving/explanation

Task 3

1.5 min

Discussion/addressing concerns

Closing

30 sec

Summary, questions, next steps

Practice Recommendations

1. Practice role-plays daily: With a partner or recorded
2. Use real OET materials: Practice with authentic scenarios
3. Record and review: Listen to your performance
4. Focus on weaknesses: Identify and improve specific skills
5. Get feedback: From teachers or study partners

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Solution

Running out of time

Practice strict time management

Missing tasks

Check the role card before finishing

Too much jargon

Practice explaining in simple terms

Not enough empathy

Start with acknowledgment/empathy

Nervous delivery

Practice until scenarios feel natural

Interlocutor interruptions

Listen, respond, then continue