OET Speaking Course

The OET (Occupational English Test) Speaking sub-test assesses how effectively healthcare professionals communicate with patients in workplace situations.

Structure of the OET Speaking Test

Duration: About 20 minutes

1. Warm-up conversation: 2–3 minutes.
2. Role Play 1: 5 minutes.
3. Role Play 2: 5 minutes
4. Preparation time: 3 minutes per role play

Part 1: Warm-Up.

Duration: 2–3 minutes

The interlocutor asks general questions about:

• Your profession. What is your current role?
• Your work experience. Where do you work?
• Your studies or workplace. What do you enjoy most about your profession? How long have you been working in healthcare?

Purpose: Helps you relax and become familiar with the speaking environment. The warm-up is not graded.

Secret: OET says that the Warm-Up is not assessed or scored. Don’t believe this blindly. Since it is not assessed, candidates (students) do least preparation for this part of the Speaking. 

Part 2: Role Play 1

Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Role Play Time: 5 minutes

You receive a role-play card describing:

• Your professional role (nurse, doctor, pharmacist, etc.)
• The patient/client situation
• Specific tasks you must complete

Typical Tasks

• Explaining a condition
• Giving advice
• Reassuring a worried patient
• Gathering information
• Discussing treatment options

Example Scenario

Role: Nurse
Patient: Concerned about newly diagnosed hypertension.

Tasks:

1. Explain the condition.
2. Discuss lifestyle changes.
3. Reassure the patient.
4. Answer questions.

Part 3: Role Play 2

Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Role Play Time: 5 minutes

A different healthcare scenario with a new patient/client.

Example Scenario

Role: Doctor
Patient: Wants antibiotics for a viral infection.

Tasks:

1. Explain why antibiotics are not appropriate.
2. Discuss symptom management.
3. Address concerns.
4. Encourage follow-up if symptoms worsen.

Assessment Criteria

Your performance is assessed on two broad areas:

1. 4 Linguistic Criteria

These assess your English language ability:

1. Intelligibility – How easy it is to understand your pronunciation.
2. Fluency – How smoothly and naturally you speak.
3. Appropriateness of Language – Whether your language suits the patient and situation.
4. Resources of Grammar and Expression – Your range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary.

2. 5 Clinical Communication Criteria

These assess your communication skills as a healthcare professional:

1. Relationship Building – Establishing rapport and showing empathy.
2. Understanding and Incorporating the Patient’s Perspective – Exploring and responding to the patient’s concerns, ideas, and feelings.
3. Providing Structure – Organizing the conversation clearly.
4. Information Gathering – Asking appropriate questions and obtaining relevant information.
5. Information Giving – Explaining information clearly and checking understanding.

Speaking Course is under construction. Will be ready in a month’s time. Please move to Writing, Reading and Listening.