Ideas to say during different parts of OET 2.0 Speaking exam

The OET Speaking test is consisted of 2 role plays which uses materials designed specifically for your profession.

This part of OET takes around 20 minutes and delivered individually.

In each role-play, you take your professional role (for example, as a nurse or as a doctor) while the interlocutor plays a patient, a client, or a patient’s relative or carer. For veterinary science, the interlocutor is the owner or carer of the animal.

In this article, OET2.com will add some prepared formats and ideas and speaking tips to use during the different parts of oet 2.0 speaking exam.

Hint: try to speak naturally and use these ideas to enhance your speech quality. Don’t try to memorize these sentences as it is.

1-Introduction:

1. Nice to see you again, nice to see you (choose depending if first visit or a known patient)

2. How are you Mr., Mrs. (pretend a name)

3. How can I help you today? What brought you here today? How are you holding up so far (known patient)?

• MM……IHHA……. Okay…… I see (try saying it loudly multiple times throughout the conversation)

2-Sympathy:

1. First, I am sorry to hear that.

2. I really appreciate your concerns, worries about what your feeling……
ex: headache (mention the complaint)
I acknowledge your fears about…

3. This must be frustrating, stressful to you.

4. First let me get this straight, clear you said……Is this correct? right?
(a quick summery about what patient said)

3-History:

1. Let me begin by asking you your opinion regarding this matter, do you mind asking you few questions? Any clue what might be causing it? what do you think might causing it? What are your thoughts? Do you suspect anything inparticulary? (you must ask about patient opinion)

2. May I ask you few questions regarding your concerns? I would like to ask you few questions regarding your concerns, may I?

– In the history itself try asking more questions regarding the complaint itself:

• Pain: site, onset, duration, triggers, alleviation, exacerbation….
• Symptoms related

4-Diagnosis:

( after saying the diagnosis and before explaining it ask the patient do you now what is this condition?)

-Well, based on your symptoms and after examination, I believe that you have what is called ….and let me explain ….

– You are suffering from a condition known as… have you ever heard of that?

-The tests show that it is probably a condition known as …… and let me explain….

– It is a condition caused by …. The symptoms include …… the best treatment is…

(you should stop and explain the condition simply to the patient)

5-Management + 6- Checking understanding:

(Those two steps usually comes together)

-I think we would start with …

-There are some very effective strategies to cope with …… I would like to explain them for you Is that okay?

-I see that must be a very difficult situation for you but the good news is that there are several options available which will help you. Would you like to hear more about that?

-There are two types of treatment……. Are you following sir, Mm? are we on the same page? Is that clear? how does that sound? any question so far?

7-Reassurance:

-Let me reassure you that this condition is self-limited.

– Don’t worry, if you can follow my advice you will get much better soon.

– I know it sounds difficult at first but with practice, I am sure you will be able to

– The staff here are very experienced and will take a good care of you.

8- Conclusion:

(remember three things)

1. Concerns? Inquiries?
2. To recap what we have discussed today……any questions? To cut this story short….Do you want me to recap?
3. Nice meeting you, I wish you a speedy recovery goodbye, I will give you my card feel free to contact me any time you need anything.

* Reluctant patient:

(this could occur any time throughout the conversation)

-I really appreciate your concern

– I can understand your worries

– I know how you feel but let me …

– I completely understand your busy time, but your health is my priority, what is more important your health or your job? so I think you should find some time to…

-What is more important the risk of …or…

– Let me assure you, if you follow my advice the risk of heart attack will be greatly reduced; however, if you do not follow my advice and continue to smoke then the risk of heart attack is much higher. you don’t want that to happen, do you?

-Let me explain to you why the insulin therapy is necessary for you.

-Of course, you will need to continue… However, I don’t think …. will be helpful in your situation. I would prefer alternatives.

-I understand … but let me explain to you why it is not a good choice for you to …

Special Cases in OET Speaking cards:

(you may face these cases throughout the oet speaking test conversation)

1- Lifestyle:

-Do you consider yourself eating a healthy diet?

-Do you play any sports or exercise regularly?

-What about smoking, do you smoke?

-What is your average number of alcohol drinks per a typical drinking day?

-I wholeheartedly believe that the merits of lifestyle modifications (will have significant impact on controlling your condition / will help in having a healthier life)

2- Exercise:

I would like to reinforce the importance of starting exercising or in addition
you need to start.

I recommend joining a local gym or sports center. They can create a proper fitness program that can help you lose weight and feel healthier. (Do you think you can do that?)

(if the patient is busy and reluctant) ⇒ I can understand that you have a busy lifestyle, and I appreciate how you consider your work as a priority, but something is better than nothing. Half an hour of daily walking or juggling will greatly help you in (managing your weight / reducing risk factor
of heart diseases).

besides that,

1. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones in the long run.
2. It also helps improve your mood
3. act as natural painkillers
4. Exercise can improve your sleep quality as well, which can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety.

Eventually, all of that will increase your productivity at work. Does this make sense to you? Are you convinced now?

3- Diet:

you need to know that a proper healthy cuisine can make all the difference in your daily life.

a. In case of referral:

I can refer you to a dietitian who can create a healthy suitable diet program and provide you with all information that contain healthy food options

b. In case of advice on changes if required:

1-small frequent meals / 3 basic meals and 2 snacks is better with avoiding eating within 3 hours before sleeping….

2- (I have to emphasize that) It is necessary to avoid spicy and fatty meals

3- It is important to commence on a low – fat diet, a low- salt (sodium) diet, a high fiber diet which contains whole grains, vegetables and fruits such as potatoes, cucumbers and apples.

4- It is recommended to drink 6 to 8 cups of water a day (does this make sense to you?)

(if the patient is busy and reluctant)

• I understand your busy life. Surely, your work is a priority, but you can
  make a little change which will make differences at the long term.
• It is very helpful to start weekly meal preparation which will save your time and encourage you to plan for more healthy options. Besides that, you can make healthier choices when you eat in restaurants and avoid fast foods.

4- Referral to a physiotherapist:

One way to speed up the recovery process and to increase mobility is to visit a physiotherapist. They will be able to design a rehabilitation program based on your needs and it can make a big difference. Would you like to try that?

5- smoking

(if he does smoke, and the smoking is a serious risk factor or he seeks for advice on quitting)

• firstly, I’d like to reinforce the importance of Smoking cessation
• The first thing you have to do is to quit smoking
• I am concerned about your smoking habit

-I know it is quite scary to quit smoking so sudden. in order to make this easier what do you think about attending our hospital’s quit smoking program? They run regular classes which include support groups, counseling and specific behavioral changes. I can assure you that it has helped many patients and has a great successful rate.

-In addition, you can use some quitting aids as nicotine gums and patches which can double the rate of success with smoking cessation.

– you can explain the nicotine gum benefits by adding →It works by providing nicotine to your body to:

• decrease the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped
• and as a substitute oral activity to reduce the urge to smoke}

6- Alcohol

(in case of he does drink heavily)

I strongly advise you to:

• gradually reduce your alcohol consumption
• start slightly withdrawal from alcohol which will reflects greatly on your health.

7- Medical Treatment:

Before stating the medical treatment,

• Is there anything you don’t quite understand so far
• have you missed any information so far?
• Regarding the medical I think we would start with
• I will give you a prescription for…
• I will prescribe you…. Are you okay with that?

8- Follow up:

I need to see you (in 2 weeks, at the end of the antibiotic course, after your vacation) … to reassess you condition, for a follow up, for a view.

In case of (more investigations are required):

Initially, I believe you need to (perform, undergo) a few further (investigations, tests) (to confirm my provisional diagnosis → for an established diagnosis)

9- Starting insulin:

I understand that self-injecting insulin can be challenging at first, but at our clinic we run weekly training programs which are run by our nurses. They can take you through the process step by step and help you gain confidence. Would you like me to make an appointment for you?

10- Breaking bad news:

A. June, we have the test results back and I’m sorry to tell you that the cause of your symptoms could be more serious than you think and that is a risk that ….

B. I realize that this come as a shock to you (pause)

C. It is a very important that we do a few further investigations including …

D. Fortunately, we caught it early and there are some treatment options such as chemotherapy.

E. We will keep a close on you and be sure you are in very good hands.

F. It may be a good idea to talk to someone about this. Do you have any relative or close friend who can help you and provide support?

OET 2.0 Speaking tips

• Steps (firstly, secondly, thirdly)
• If you have no idea about the disease simply say → I will give you a very good website, link or at the end of our appointment I will give you a handout or leaflet that contain everything you need to know
• Med SE: it’s one of the side effects. However, if you weigh the benefits it will be more than the harm
• If Tx is expensive: your insurance will cover it.
• If there are two types of Tx with their subdivisions simply say on one hand…on the other hand…then mention first, second…to their subdivisions.
• If the patient felt embarrassed from their psychiatric illness or any other illness tell the patient:
  o It’s not a stigma
  o It’s not ashamed to have illness
• Patient is reluctant to a medication → based on my experience (mention a random patient name that benefited from the medication)
• Patient is concerned about their illness → say…However this condition is manageable
• Express emotions:
  o Appraise (I am very glad to…. congratulations)
  o If the patient mentioned the death of one of his relatives don’t forget to say my condolences.
  o Sadly, fortunately, unfortunately
• If the patient suspects a certain disease or cancer you have to ask why because they might mention an important relative information such as family history
• Never tell the patient direct orders like you should do that, simply say I highly advice you to do…
• Whenever the patient mentions any concern address it instantly
• Take permission for examination (ex: may I examine you sir?)
• In chronic diseases such as DM in the conclusion you can’t say I hope you have a speedy recovery simply say take my card to contact me if you have any questions.
• A psychiatrist who will…not which will
• History first then ask for examination
• If there is suspicion of malignancy always supports the patient by saying me and the whole medical team are supporting, you in each step
• Cancer is uncountable without a
• Never say medical terminology like ECG, TSH, colonoscopy say heart tracing, examine the glands that are in the neck, a camera test
• In history if you are going to ask about several symptoms simply say I am going to give you a list of symptoms please tell me if you have them or not.
• In conclusion: when you ask about concerns and the patient stated his concern.
  Ask again about concerns until the patient say no.
• If the patient asks about the possibility of malignancy or benign condition and its
  not mentioned in the card, try to say positive things such as a chance of 99% is being benign.
  If Williams tumor you know its benign so don’t say cancer say Williams tumor
• I don’t like using x-ray on my patients → better to say it may harm you.
• When you forget something simply say: I am sorry I just lost my train of thoughts can we go back
• Lifestyle modifications are not is
• Recap for important information only
• Avoid saying judgmental stuff such as you are overweight, or you are not exercising, Instead you can say your BMI value is under overweight level
• Limited changes=slim changes
• Serious=sinister
• Don’t assume things especially if the patient didn’t mention it even if it is in the card: for example in one of the cards the patient wanted to quit smoking using a certain medication that counter act with his antiepileptic’s medications as he has epilepsy so don’t directly say this med will affect your antiepileptic’s, you should ask first do you have chronic illness? Then what meds are you taking for it?
• Active listening: sometimes there are things in the card that the patient did not mention so don’t say it in your summery.
• When the visit is about the son and he was accompanied by his parents you can start by:
  Hello Mr. Jack, I can see that you brought Adam with you today, nice to meet you both, how can I be at your service?
• One of the cards was asking to ask about suicidal thoughts and its unpolite to immediately ask it but you can say: some people when they go through difficult
  times they tend to heart them self’s or others, have you ever experience such thoughts?
• During examination make sure to say:
  o Can expose you
  o And I will ensure your privacy
• At the end of the consultation:
  o Example: I will meet you after two weeks to see how you are coping with new treatment, strategy…
• After taking history, make sure to examine the patient even if it was no written in the card.
• One of the cards was about having the possibility of being benign or malignant:
  o On one hand, I am suspecting in this case scenario that it could be something light like infection….
  o On the other hand, on worst case scenario it could be something sinister like cancer or malignancy, however, we don’t know yet so you don’t need to freak-out we will do further investigations to exclude this possibility.

Written By: Dr Hawazen Alahmad