Nurse practising an OET speaking role-play with a patient — using a letter-style structure (introduction, purpose, body, closure) to explain treatment.

Connection between writing and speaking in OET.

When candidates prepare for the OET, most separate writing and speaking practice, but in fact, both of these skills are deeply intertwined. The clarity, tone, and structure you use in a written referral letter will also shape how you communicate during an OET speaking role-play, whether you are a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare professional. Thinking like a writer helps you speak more clearly, logically, and empathetically. In short, learning how to craft the perfect OET speaking role-play letter can considerably help you handle patient interactions within the test.

Purpose of Letters During Role-Play

In the OET speaking test, you don’t actually write a letter—though the goal is similar to OET writing tasks: to transfer relevant information clearly and professionally.

Each of the role-play cards has a scenario—perhaps a nurse explaining a treatment, or a doctor making a referral. The way you structure your conversation mirrors how you’d structure a referral letter:

Introduction: Greet the patient, introduce yourself, and describe your role.
Purpose: Explain why you’re speaking to them today.
Body: Give essential information such as symptoms, concerns, or instructions.
Closure: Reassure the patient and summarize next steps.

Treating your OET role-play as if you are speaking a letter aloud makes your communication all the more structured, confident, and focused.

It is clear that this country, which had received its freedom just half a century earlier, was a nation of stark contrasts, full of paradoxes.

Common Expressions for Patient Care

Empathy is the heart of both OET writing and OET speaking. Just like a written letter must sound caring yet professional, your spoken tone should reflect the same balance. Here’s how to maintain it:

Empathize: Let them know that you understand how it feels.

“I can see this has been quite stressful for you.”

Speak in plain English: Avoid medical jargon unless the patient understands it.

Instead of saying “hypertension”, say “high blood pressure” unless it has been explained previously.

Stay calm and confident: Speak slowly and pause to check understanding.

“Does that make sense to you so far?”

Reflect emotions naturally: If a patient sounds worried, respond with warmth.

“It’s completely understandable to feel that way. Let me clarify what will happen next.”

Summarize your points: Just as a closing paragraph in a letter wraps up the message, summarize key points before ending the role-play.

By mirroring the tone and empathy of a referral letter, you’ll sound more patient-focused and credible automatically.

Mistakes That Lower OET Speaking Marks

Many candidates lose marks because they focus more on the memorization of sentences rather than delivering meaning. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

❌ Sounding robotic: Rehearsed speech is not as fluent or natural-sounding.

Overloading information. Too much detail, like in a poorly written letter, confuses the patients.

❌ Lack of concern for the patient’s feelings: Lack of empathy or reassurance lowers your interaction score.

❌ By interrupting the patient: One listens to the patient in OET communication.

❌ Incorrect use of tense and/or tone: Improper mixing of past and present or a tone too informal will cost your score.

Instead, focus on natural flow-like writing a short, purposeful OET referral letter, but through your words.

Sample Dialogue with Letter-Based Approach

Below is a short OET speaking role-play example that uses a “letter-style” structure :

Scenario: You are a nurse, and you are talking to a patient who has high blood pressure and needs lifestyle advice.

You:
“Good morning, Mr. Kumar. I am the nurse on duty today. How are you feeling?
(Intro of letter: greeting and context)

Patient:
“I’m fine, but I’m a bit worried about my blood pressure results.”

You:
“I understand your concern, Mr. Kumar. Your readings are slightly high, and it’s important we manage them early.”
(Empathy + purpose)
Patient:
“What should I do about it?
You:
First of all is to consider life changes: “We’ll begin with lifestyle modifications-reduction of salt intake, weight management, and exercise. Then I can also schedule an appointment with a dietitian for more specific recommendations.

(Body – giving relevant details)

Patient:
“That sounds good. Will I need medication?” You: “At this stage, we will first try lifestyle management; if it doesn’t improve, your doctor may put you on medication. We will review your progress in six weeks.”
(Closure – plan and reassurance)
This dialogue follows the sequence of a referral or follow-up letter and shows clarity, professionalism, and empathy-precisely what the OET examiners are looking for.

Conclusion

Whether you’re speaking or writing in the OET, your ultimate objective is to communicate healthcare information clearly, accurately, and compassionately. Approach each OET speaking role-play as if you are dictating a courteous and structured letter to a colleague or a patient. Outline your points logically; incorporate empathetic phrases; and above all, ensure understanding. When your speech sounds like a well-written letter-clear in its purpose, professional in tone, and caring in delivery-you’ll impress examiners and become a confident healthcare communicator in real life.