OET Speaking: Empathy That Scores

Have you ever finished an OET roleplay feeling unsure about your scores?
Many healthcare providers only focus on grammar and fluency, and while
these are crucial, the overlooked half is empathy. The OET subtest
assesses your clinical communication skills, and in healthcare
communication without empathy is incomplete and often ineffective.

These are closely related to your level of empathy. To put it simply, you
need to demonstrate to the patient that you genuinely understand their
issues and that you care about them. Even if your English is flawless, you
have a risk of receiving a lower mark if you don't incorporate empathy.

Understanding the Importance of Empathy

Why is empathy so important in the OET? Empathy fosters a connection
and confidence with your patients in a real-world medical situation. It
motivates people to talk to you and heed your counsel. This ability is
evaluated by the OET. The examiner is looking for evidence that you can
manage challenging circumstances with professionalism and compassion.
This is what separates a passing score from a failing one.

Many students mistakenly think that saying “I understand” is enough.
Deeper interaction is necessary for the OET. In order to demonstrate that
you have heard and acknowledged the patient's feelings, you must actively
listen to their worries.

Techniques for Scoring with Empathy

To ensure your empathy translates into a high score, you need structured
practice. Here are a few simple ways to inject genuine empathy into your
role play:

● Reflect and Validate: Acknowledge the patient's feelings before you
move on. Instead of just saying “I understand,” try: “It sounds like this
has been a very stressful time for you, and I am sorry to hear that.”

● Soften Your Language: Avoid being too direct or blunt, especially
when giving bad news or asking sensitive questions. Use softening
phrases like “I can only imagine” or “It is understandable to feel
worried in this situation.”

● Use Follow Up Questions: Show that you were listening by asking a
relevant follow up question related to their stated concern. This
proves you have truly incorporated the patient’s perspective.

Mastering OET Speaking with Tiju's Academy

At Tiju’s Academy, recognised by many as the best OET coaching centre in Kerala, communication strategies form the foundation of our OET training. We teach you how to think and communicate like a qualified healthcare professional in an English-speaking country — not just grammar. Our expert mentors provide personalised feedback on your role-plays, focusing especially on how effectively you use empathy.

Our OET Speaking course offers unlimited practice sessions and dedicated guidance based on the clinical communication criteria. You’ll learn proven frameworks for different scenarios, ensuring you are always prepared to respond with clarity, care, and professionalism. This focused approach is one of the most effective ways to guarantee your success.

Join the effective OET coaching at Tiju’s Academy and take the next step toward a successful career abroad!