Welcome to the OET speaking test. You have 5 minutes to complete your task. Begin.

Nurse: Good morning, I hope you had a good sleep. Could you please take your medication now?

Patient: Please go away. I am tired. I just need sleep, I do not want to take the medication.

Nurse: But I need you to ta-

Patient: I said leave me alone.

Nurse: (on the verge of tears) – ok… bye.

A significant factor for success in the OET speaking test is to be prepared for situations such as this. While your grammatically spoken English may be excellent, you are also being tested on your ability to communicate, especially with difficult patients.

As health professionals, it is part of our job to approach these circumstances with tact and professionalism, while at the same time displaying assertiveness and confidence. And in the OET test, it just might be your job to communicate with a role player who has been instructed to refuse all your advice and act upset.

This can make you nervous. This can make you forget your lines. This can make your face flush beetroot red and wish that you were at home in the safety of your blanket, away from the OET test. But there are many strategies you can use to turn this type of situation to your advantage, and instead showcase your excellent communication skills.

Remember – practice makes perfect!

For more information about the OET test, feel free to contact any of the SLS OET teachers. We are always happy to help.

Jaime