Mastering OET Speaking - Giving Information (by Benchmark OET)

Giving Information in the OET Speaking Test

Richard Foster explains how candidates can score well for giving information during an OET role-play. Information is not limited to explaining a diagnosis: it can be provided at several points in the interaction, and candidates should check that the patient understands it.

When and What Information to Give

• During the introduction: Say who you are, explain your role, and offer help. For example: “I’m the doctor on duty today, and I’d like to help you.”
• After hearing the patient’s symptoms: Briefly explain the likely diagnosis. The example role-play concerns croup.
• When checking what the patient already knows: Ask whether they have heard of the condition or know what it is, then tailor your explanation:
  • If they know nothing about it, explain the condition.
  • If they have heard of it but are unsure, clarify the relevant points.
  • Avoid giving too much detail, especially early in the role-play, so you do not use up valuable time.
• When discussing the treatment plan:
  • Explain any recommended medication, what it is for, and its intended effect.
  • Explain other recommendations, such as a specialist referral or another form of treatment.
  • Give practical advice about medication, exercise, or other aspects of the patient’s health.
  • Explain warning signs and what action to take. In the croup example, the parent should take emergency measures if the child turns blue.
• When answering the patient’s questions: Provide information relevant to what the patient asks.
• When arranging follow-up: Discuss possible dates and times, and allow the patient to respond to the options.

Information-giving is especially important between the diagnosis and the treatment plan, but it can happen throughout the conversation.

How to Demonstrate Effective Information-Giving

• Check the patient’s understanding as the conversation progresses.
• If the patient has not understood, explain the point again or add detail.
• Near the end, ask the patient to summarize what they understand. For example: “Would you mind summarizing your understanding of what we’ve discussed?”
• Listen for gaps or inaccuracies in the patient’s summary. If they cannot recall the diagnosis or medication advice, clarify it.

This recap helps show the examiner that information was communicated clearly and gives the clinician a chance to correct misunderstandings. The video also refers to echoing, summarizing, open and closed questions, and checking your own understanding as useful communication skills.

The central lesson is to give information clearly and appropriately, tailor the amount of detail to the patient, and verify that the patient has understood.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Richard Foster: Benchmark Education Solutions trainer and assessor, and the presenter and only identifiable speaker.
• Benchmark Education Solutions / Benchmark OET: The organization and training source represented by the presenter.
• Patient and family-member examples: Hypothetical role-play dialogue used to illustrate the advice; no separate patient speaker is featured.