OET Speaking: A Complete Guide
The Occupational English Test exam is for healthcare professionals who are aiming to work in English speaking countries. The test evaluates your skills in four core areas of a language- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Among them, speaking is often a bit challenging for many. This blog will help you understand the important tips and details to ace the OET speaking with confidence.
Understanding OET Speaking!
The OET Speaking sub-test assessment is a 20 – minute test consisting of two role-plays. This role-play not only assesses your English proficiency but also evaluates the ability and clarity to communicate effectively in an English speaking healthcare context. In the role-play scenario the candidates have to interact with an interlocutor who will role-play as a patient, client, relative or colleague. Each of these role-plays are specially tailored for each healthcare profession.
Format of OET Speaking
The OET speaking sub-test follows this format:
- The test begins with warm conversations like small informal talks between you and the interlocutor. This will calm you and make you comfortable before the role-play starts.
- You will receive a role-play card outlining the task, scenario and role you need to perform. You will also get three minutes preparing time before role-play.
- There will be two role-plays of five minutes each. The task of the candidate is to engage in conversation as the healthcare professional with the interlocutor who will play the role of a client, patient or colleague.
Scoring Criteria of OET Speaking Sub-test
To pass OET Speaking with a good score you need to focus on several aspects in a language. Below listed are some of the important criterias that need to be focused:
- Expand your medical vocabulary and improve your grammatical structure usage. Knowing specific medical terminologies will help you to have a clear and accurate communication.
- Always maintain professionalism in your speaking tone. Your tone should reflect the seriousness of the healthcare environment while still upholding the empathy and respectfulness. Balancing this is crucial.
- You should always deliver clear and accurate medical information. Having clarity in communication is important as any miscommunication or misleading information can have serious consequences.
- Always strive to be both compassionate and professional in your communication. This will help to build trust in patients.
- Pronunciation is very important when it comes to OET speaking. Always ensure that your words are easily understood and avoid any confusion.
- Work on your active listening skill. It is not just about listening to your patients but also understanding their concerns and responding appropriately.
Common Role-Play Cards in OET Speaking
There are several OET speaking role-play tests scenarios that are commonly used in the exam. Familiarizing these scenarios will help you to be confident in these exams.
- Consultation of Patient: During consultation of a patient, you should only use clear simple communication. Avoid or simplify jargons for easy understanding. Always respond with compassion after listening to the concerns of the patients.
- Interactions with Colleagues: Professionalism is the most important thing when interacting with colleagues. Listen to them actively and respond respectively. Maintain a respectful tone and be open to feedback in professional communication.
- Handling difficult situations: While handling a sensitive situation or delivering difficult news, always stay calm and composed. Deliver the news clearly and sensitively while remaining compassionate and professional.
Some Tips to Score High in OET Speaking Test
- Understanding role-play scenarios: Practice common role-play scenarios like patient consultation, interaction with colleagues, handling difficult situations etc to familiarize it. It will help you be more prepared and confident.
- Simplify Medical Jargon: Simplify medical jargons and terms so that it would be easy to understand. Practicing medical vocabulary along with its right pronunciation is important.
- Organized response: Your response should always be structured including main points.
- Be relaxed and calm: Do not be unnecessarily stressed out or fearful. Practicing stress management techniques like breathing exercises is beneficial. Being relaxed will allow you to perform more effectively.
Common Mistakes To Avoid in OET Speaking
- Do not overuse medical jargon: It is important to demonstrate your medical knowledge but overusing of jargon is a hindrance in communication. Always explain things to others if it seems difficult for them.
- Do not focus too much on the script: Avoid memorizing scripts and its responses. Practicing it and preparing for it is enough. You have to think on your own and respond.
- Always explain yourself clearly: Speak with clarity to the patients. Create a clarified scenario while addressing a patient’s needs.
- Prioritize patients’ emotional needs: Be empathetic to patients and acknowledge their emotions and respond.
- Never rush your responses: Pace yourself and avoid unclear communication. Any miscommunication can cause distress to the patient.
- Never interrupt a patient: Interrupting a patient can be dismissive from your side. Allow the patient to finish before you respond.
The OET Speaking sub-test can be a little difficult for many candidates. But just like every other sub-tests, this can also be tackled easily. Remember the tips and important tips we discussed here. With good training and practice you can ace OET speaking just like any other sub-tests. Always be confident in your skills and work hard for it.
At Tiju’s Academy, we offer comprehensive OET courses, both online and offline, tailored to help you excel in the Reading module and every aspect of the OET. Join us to boost your confidence and achieve the scores you need to advance your healthcare career.
