OET Speaking with Melons

Melons Speaking

Applying MELONS in OET Roleplay is the best you can do to overcome the stress factors. When MELONS is used, you do not forget the steps, swallow words, commit repetition, look back or hum!

The 5 Steps

1. Meeting + Confirming Purpose + Reason for Visit
2. Enquiry + Listening
3. Offering – Reassure, emphasise, precautions, measures
4. Neutralisation (Optional)
5. Summarise (Optional)

1. Meeting

Meeting AB (Patient coming to you. Known/ unknown cases)

1. What brings you here?
2. Good morning, Mr Smith. How are you feeling today?
3. How may I help you, Ms Rose?

Meeting BA (You visiting a patient. Mostly known cases)

1. Good morning, Ms Rose. I am a nurse from the community centre. I have come here to assist you with your child’s dressing.
2. Mr Parker, your GP has asked me to meet you to discuss a couple of matters regarding your postoperative recovery. I am here to help you today.
3. Ms Rose, I am a nurse from the District Child and Mother Care. I have a survey to conduct with women who have become mothers in the last three months. I believe you are the right person I can spend some time with.
4. Am I right in thinking that you have been referred here for managing your health condition?
5. How have you been since your last visit?

End of Meeting. Let’s look at the second step.

2. Enquiry and Listening

Enquiry

1. It would be better for me to understand if you could explain the problem in your own words.
2. You are in the right place. So, you can tell me about your problems.
3. I am sorry but I would like you to name your concerns one by one, so that I can recommend solutions in an order.
4. Can I ask some questions to get a detailed picture of your present condition?
5. In order to get a better understanding of your condition, may I ask some questions regarding your health?
6. Have you ever had a problem like this before?
7. What makes your symptoms worse or better?
8. When was the last time that you had a good health condition?
9. Did you try anything to deal with your symptoms?
10. What were you doing before you had this attack?
11. Why do you not want to take this medicine?
12. Tell me about all the dilemmas you are facing now.
13. Since how long have you been suffering from this problem?
14. Could you please rate your pain on a scale of 0-10 where 0 being the minimum and 10 being the most severe pain you have ever experienced? So, how would you rate your pain?
15. Let me first check your pain levels on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is no pain, and 10 is the worst pain imaginable. What number would you give your pain right now?
16. Would you mind telling me about your daily life?
17. What do you know so far about your health?
18. Do you know anything about the management of your condition?
19. Apart from the pain, how are you feeling emotionally?

Listening

1. Your concern is reasonable.
2. This must be a difficult situation for you.
3. I can understand your feelings.
4. If I had been in your position, I would have responded in the same way.
5. If I were you, even I would react in the same way.
6. There is no need to be worried. You have come to the right place. I’ll try my best to help you out.
7. Thank you for answering my questions. Let me see if I’ve got this right.
8. Myself being a mother, it is really hard to hear that, Ms Rose.
9. I can see that it must have been hard for you.
10. I understand how you feel, Mr Smith. Pain is a common after-effect of surgery, but we have ways to manage it.

End of “EL”. Let’s look at the third step.

3. Offering

1. Based on what you have said, Ms Rose, I have a couple of suggestions that will work for you.
2. Make yourself comfortable here and feel free to tell everything.
3. I strongly suggest you get an appointment with a doctor.
4. When do you think you will be available for an appointment?
5. It is paramount that you seek the doctor’s help if you start experiencing worse symptoms.
6. You have to be patient enough to give yourself sufficient time to rest.
7. There is no need to worry.
8. Let’s hope for the best. Science is improving from time to time.
9. In addition, you can visit the community health centre on a weekly basis.
10. You also can apply the lifestyle modifications suitable for you.
11. You can do some exercises which give you relaxation.
12. You can alternatively perform some breathing exercises.
13. I assure you that you will be able to make a complete recovery if you adhere to these instructions.
14. In case you still face problems, you can approach the doctor.

Longer Offers

1. Thank you for letting me know. We’ll make sure to manage your pain effectively. We have different pain relief options available, including oral medication and injections. Would you prefer to take medication or have an injection?
2. Sure, we can start you on oral pain medication now. I’ll also inform your doctor about your pain levels, and they may suggest additional pain management measures if necessary.
3. Major surgeries can be overwhelming, and feeling anxious is normal. But you have a good team of doctors and nurses supporting your recovery. We’re always here for you if you need someone to talk to or any emotional support.
4. You’re welcome. We’ll continue to monitor your pain levels and ensure that you’re comfortable. If you need anything else, just let us know.

End of Offering. Let’s look at the fourth step.

4. Neutralize

Neutralize refers to providing reassurance to the patient. Here are some examples.

1. I am glad that I could convince you, Ms Rose. I am now sure of your recovery in a couple of weeks.
2. I am ready to help you in every possible way.
3. I can already see the results, Mr Parker, since you have readily accepted my suggestions.
4. I’m glad that I could be of some help. Thank you for placing trust.
5. Do you understand so far?
6. Are you getting my point that I have explained till this point?
7. How does that sound? Do you have something else to say?
8. Am I clear so far?
9. Are you following me?
10. Is there anything that I should clear here?
11. You cannot notice the development overnight. It is a slow and steady process.
12. You can notice tremendous improvement in the future.
13. If you seriously implement the suggestions we have discussed, there will be a gradual progress in your condition.
14. I hope that it will work for you.
15. Many students have overcome these problems by adapting necessary changes to their study patterns.
16. If you have any query, you can contact us at any time.
17. Is there anybody accompanying you to go home?

Reassurance

1. “It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about this situation.”
2. “I’m here to help you through this and ensure you’re comfortable.”
3. “We will take it one step at a time together.”
4. “Your concerns are completely understandable, and we’ll address each one.”
5. “You’re not alone in this; I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
6. “We can discuss all your questions and make sure you understand everything.”
7. “There’s no need to worry; we’re going to work this out together.”
8. “I’m here to support you and make sure you’re informed about every aspect.”
9. “Let’s focus on what we can do now to make things easier for you.”
10. “It’s okay to take your time; we’re here to support you and address your needs.”
11. “I understand this can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.”
12. “You’re doing great, and we’ll get through this together.”
13. “I’m here to guide you through each step and answer any questions.”
14. “It’s completely normal to have these feelings, and we can work through them.”
15. “We’ll make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout this process.”
16. “Take a deep breath; we’re here to support you and find the best solution.”
17. “Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here for you.”
18. “We’ll address each of your concerns one at a time.”
19. “I’m here to listen and ensure that all your questions are answered.”
20. “There’s no rush; we’ll take the time you need to feel comfortable.”
21. “I understand this is a lot to take in, but we’re here to help you.”
22. “You’re not alone; we’ll work together to manage this situation.”
23. “I’m here to provide the support you need during this time.”
24. “It’s okay to feel unsure; we’ll work through this together.”
25. “We’ll make sure you understand each step before moving forward.”
26. “I’m here to provide reassurance and help you feel at ease.”
27. “You’re making progress, and we’re here to assist you.”
28. “We’ll work through your concerns and make sure you’re informed.”
29. “I’m here to offer guidance and support as we navigate this situation.”
30. “It’s alright to have questions; we’re here to answer them.”
31. “You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to support you all the way.”
32. “We’ll take things slowly and ensure you’re comfortable with each step.”
33. “I’m here to make this process as smooth as possible for you.”
34. “You can ask as many questions as you need; we’re here to help.”
35. “We’ll address your worries and provide the information you need.”
36. “I’m here to ensure you feel secure and informed throughout this process.”
37. “It’s perfectly okay to feel this way; we’ll work through it together.”
38. “You’re in good hands, and we’ll get through this together.”
39. “I’m here to support you and provide clarity on any concerns you have.”
40. “We’ll make sure you understand everything and feel confident moving forward.”
41. “Take your time; we’re here to make sure you feel supported.”
42. “I’m here to help you manage this situation and address any concerns.”
43. “We’ll work together to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.”
44. “You’re doing well, and we’re here to provide the support you need.”
45. “It’s normal to have these feelings, and we’ll help you through them.”
46. “We’ll go through everything step by step to make sure you’re clear.”
47. “I’m here to provide reassurance and assist with any questions.”
48. “We’ll handle this together and make sure you feel at ease.”
49. “You’re not alone in this; we’re here to support you through every stage.”
50. “I’m here to guide you and make sure you feel comfortable with the process.”

End of Neutralization. Let’s look at the fifth step.

5. Summarize

Since you don’t have any questions, let me summarise what I have discussed with you so far. We have looked at a couple of options for managing your diabetes. Since it was never controlled, we are going to make huge changes in your diet and exercise. You have mighty promised that you will start your days with an hour of walking and shift to a protein-based diet instead of carbohydrates. Is that clear?