10 Key Tips for Excelling in the OET Speaking Sub-test

Maximizing the initial three minutes in the OET Speaking sub-test can significantly enhance your performance. This crucial period is designed for you to carefully read your OET role-play card, understand the task at hand, and plan your responses. Effective utilization involves a quick yet thorough analysis of the scenario presented, identifying key points to discuss, and mentally organizing a coherent structure for your dialogue. This preparation time is critical to ensure you can convey your responses fluently and accurately when the examiner initiates the conversation. Our guide offers strategic advice on approaching this preparation phase, ensuring you’re ready to demonstrate your English communication skills confidently and professionally.

“Common OET Role Card Queries, Answered for OET Students

1.    Can you review the OET Speaking role card during preparation time? 

Candidates are encouraged to examine the OET Speaking role card during the allotted preparation time. The interlocutor will provide the card, allowing you to read and strategize your approach accordingly.

2.    Why is there information in brackets on the role card? 

Information in brackets is intended to guide students, offering additional context that can be valuable during the 5-minute speaking phase. This supplementary detail can enrich the conversation with the interlocutor.

3.    Is it necessary to follow the sequence of the role card when speaking?

 While there’s no strict rule to adhere to the order presented on the card, maintaining the given sequence can help ensure a natural flow and prevent omitting essential details. Rearranging points may risk skipping critical information.

4.    Can I interact with the interlocutor during preparation? 

Please clarify any doubts concerning the role card or ask the interlocutor’s name during this time.

5.    How should you begin an OET role play? 

This is a common concern among students. Start by analyzing the case type on the card—known, unknown, or recently examined—and tailor your introduction accordingly. Avoid canned introductions; instead, craft a unique opening that aligns with the specifics of the role card.

6.    Is it advisable to use medical terminology? 

Generally, it’s best to avoid complex medical jargon, especially when discussing symptoms, conditions, or treatments. Aim to communicate in an empathetic and understandable way, reflecting the criteria expected in the test.

7.    How can I understand the patient’s feelings from the OET Speaking role card? 

Recognizing emotions can be challenging in a simulated exam setting, but paying close attention to the adjectives and descriptive language the role card can provide insights into the patient’s mindset and feelings.

8. Do I need to prioritize the task?

Of course, you have to look into the OET task and plan on which card you need to spend time explaining in detail about it. If you give the same time to all tasks, you might be unable to complete them properly. 

9. Do I need to speak for a whole 5 minutes?

It is a good question OET students usually ask; 5 minutes is given to explain the task in detail. Sometimes, OET students may complete the whole task before 5 minutes, but you have to focus on all the questions correctly and try to explain them according to them. So, during these three minutes, you have to focus on how to speak.

10. Can I use the interlocutor’s name?

Sometimes, OET students forget to ask the interlocutor’s name during the 3-minute preparation time so they can use the interlocutor’s name and check whether they accept it or not.

Use these insights to prepare effectively for the OET Speaking sub-test, ensuring a performance that is both competent andz considerate.”