OET Speaking tips & useful phrases

Introduce yourself and your role, confirm who you are speaking to, and state the purpose of the visit in one sentence. Skip the formal introduction only if the card says you already know the patient.

• “Hello, I'm Maria, one of the nurses on the ward today. Could you confirm your full name for me?”
• “Thanks for coming in today, Mr Evans. I understand you've come about your cough — is that right?”
• “Good to see you again, Mrs Patel. How have things been since we last spoke?”
• “Before we start, is it all right if I call you David?”
• “I'd like to spend a few minutes talking about how you've been managing at home. Would that be OK?”

Every role card hides a concern. Ask about it early and directly, then refer back to it when you give advice — that is what "incorporating the patient's perspective" means in practice.

• “What worries you most about this?”
• “What were you hoping we could do for you today?”
• “Some people in your situation worry about side effects. Is that something that's on your mind?”
• “Do you have any thoughts yourself about what might be causing it?”
• “You mentioned your daughter is getting married next month — how is this affecting your plans?”

Start broad, then narrow down. Ask one question at a time and leave a pause after it. Short echoes ("Not sleeping?") keep the patient talking without you taking over.

• “Could you tell me a bit more about that?”
• “When did you first notice it?”
• “How is this affecting your day-to-day life?”
• “Not sleeping? Tell me more.”
• “So if I've understood correctly, the pain started last week and it's worse at night. Is that right?”

Name the specific feeling or situation instead of a generic "I understand". Then move the conversation forward — empathy should open the door, not stop the role-play.

• “That sounds really frustrating, especially when you've been waiting so long.”
• “It's completely understandable that you're worried about your son.”
• “I can see this news has come as a shock.”
• “You've clearly been coping with a lot on your own.”
• “Thank you for telling me that — I know it isn't easy to talk about.”

Tell the patient what is coming next. Grouping advice ("There are two things I'd like to cover") makes you sound organised and gives the examiner clear evidence of structure.

• “There are two things I'd like to talk about today: your medication, and what to do if the symptoms come back.”
• “Let's start with the medication.”
• “Now that we've covered that, can we move on to your diet?”
• “The most important thing to remember is…”
• “Before we finish, I just want to go back to what you said about work.”

Find out what the patient already knows before explaining. Use everyday words ("high blood pressure", not "hypertension") and give one idea at a time.

• “What do you already know about asthma?”
• “Have you heard the term 'blood thinner' before?”
• “In simple terms, the inhaler helps to open up the airways so breathing is easier.”
• “This happens quite often after this kind of operation, and it usually settles within a few days.”
• “I'll write this down for you as well, so you have it to look at at home.”

Check after each chunk, not only at the end. Put the responsibility on yourself ("to make sure I've explained it well") so the patient never feels tested.

• “Does that make sense so far?”
• “Is there anything you would like me to go over again?”
• “Just to make sure I've explained it well, could you tell me how you'll take the tablets?”
• “What questions do you have about that?”
• “How do you feel about trying this?”

Acknowledge the reason behind the refusal first, then explain the benefit in terms of what matters to them. Offer choices — the decision stays with the patient.

• “I can hear that you're not keen on taking another tablet. Can I ask what puts you off?”
• “It's your decision, and I respect that. Can I just explain why I'm recommending it?”
• “You said you want to keep walking your dog every day — this treatment could really help with that.”
• “What if we tried it for two weeks and then reviewed how you're getting on?”
• “Would it help to talk it over with your family first?”

Summarise the plan in two or three points, invite final questions, and give a safety-net: what to do if things get worse.

• “So, just to recap: you'll start the new inhaler tonight, and we'll see you again in two weeks.”
• “Is there anything else you'd like to ask before you go?”
• “If the pain gets worse or you notice a fever, please come back or call us straight away.”
• “You've done really well to come in about this today.”
• “Take care, and I look forward to hearing how you get on.”