If you are preparing for the OET Speaking test, you know that role plays can feel stressful. You must speak naturally, use professional English, and communicate clearly with patients. Having a bank of OET phrases ready can help you sound confident and professional. Below are the top 50 phrases every doctor and nurse should know, organized into three categories: building rapport, explaining treatment, and giving reassurance.
Practice these OET speaking phrases in role plays until they feel natural. The key is not just memorizing but adapting them to each scenario. With these 50 expressions, you’ll sound professional, empathetic, and ready to pass the OET Speaking test with confidence.
1. Building Rapport with Patients
In the OET Speaking test, you often begin by greeting and making the patient comfortable.
Useful phrases:
- “Good morning, I’m Dr. [Name]. How are you feeling today?”
- “Hello, I’m your nurse for today. May I confirm your name and date of birth?”
- “I understand this might be a bit stressful for you.”
- “Could you please tell me more about what brings you in today?”
- “I’d like to ask you a few questions to understand your situation better.”
2. Explaining Treatment or Procedures
You must explain medical information in simple, patient-friendly English.
Useful phrases:
- “What this means is…”
- “I’d like to explain the next steps in your treatment.”
- “This medication will help reduce your symptoms.”
- “You may experience some mild side effects, such as…”
- “It’s important that you take this regularly.”
3. Giving Reassurance and Support
Patients often feel anxious. Showing empathy is key in OET Speaking.
Useful phrases:
- “I can assure you we will take good care of you.”
- “Many patients feel the same way before this procedure.”
- “It’s completely normal to feel nervous.”
- “We will monitor you closely throughout the process.”
- “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Example Dialogue (Doctor Version)
Doctor: Good morning, I’m Dr. Smith. How are you feeling today?
Patient: I’m a bit worried about my chest pain.
Doctor: I understand this must be worrying. I’d like to ask you a few questions to understand your symptoms better. After that, I’ll explain the tests we will do.
Example Dialogue (Nurse Version)
Nurse: Hello, I’m your nurse today. May I confirm your name, please?
Patient: Yes, it’s Maria Gomez.
Nurse: Thank you, Ms. Gomez. I know hospital visits can be stressful. I’ll explain the procedure step by step so you know what to expect.