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 theirissues 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.
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.
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.
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!