OET Speaking approaches (Dentistry)

OET Speaking approaches (Dentistry)
In this video I give my example of an approach to OET’s Dentistry Speaking sample 5. I am grateful to OET for allowing me to use this material from their website https://oet.com).
I can be contacted via [email protected].
Advice on approaching OET’s Speaking Test:
What to do before the test
• Watch speaking test examples on oet.com and YouTube.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the ‘Linguistic’ and ‘Clinical Communication’ grading criteria.
• Listen to the ‘Graded Speaking’ examples and match the Assessor’s comments to the grading criteria (link to follow).
• Practice as much as possible: the more you do, the better you will become.
• Notice the pattern of voices in Listening Part A (covered in the video ‘Listening Part A: Learning’ on this Channel -    • OET Listening Part A: 3 Understanding  ).
• Complete the OET Mini-course on ‘Effective Questioning Techniques’ (see https://oet.com/post/mini-language-le....
• In your vocabulary book, record examples of polite questions and requests, assertive instructions, and phrases for emphasis.
• In your vocabulary book, write down appropriate idiomatic language and associate these with common ‘action verbs’.
What to do in the three-minute preparation time
• Skim read the whole card, so you know the setting and how the dialogue is likely to develop: its ultimate medical aim.
• Underline or highlight all the ‘action verbs’, not forgetting that they may appear within the notes, not just at the beginning.
• Ask the interlocutor about the meaning or pronunciation of any vocabulary.
• Ask the interlocutor what you should call them during the role play: you will appear more empathetic if you use their name.
• Plan how you are going to open the conversation using the ‘setting’ on the role-play card.
• Think how you will ask questions or give information: which ‘idiomatic’ words or phrases could you incorporate?
• Think what the interlocutor may say and think how you may respond.
• Consider how you will introduce technical ideas appropriately to the interlocutor, avoiding jargon.
What to do during the test
• Use the information in the ‘setting’ to start the conversation appropriately (e.g.: do you know the patient?).
• Signal the end and start of sections using appropriate vocabulary and intonation.
• If appropriate, summarise what the patient says as a way of confirmation and to end a section before moving on.
• When asking questions or giving information, use changing intonation, emphasising the most important content words.
• Ask questions in a polite, respectful way (often this includes indirect questions, such as ‘Would you mind if …’).
• Use the Interlocutor’s/patient’s name to build your relationship with them.
• Check for understanding – a simple ‘OK?’ would be sufficient if it is not specified on the role card.
• Maintain eye contact with the Interlocutor and make appropriate noises and gestures to show you are actively listening.
• Respond appropriately to the Interlocutor (showing sympathy for a painful condition, for example).