As a veteran OET examiner and language coach with over 15 years of experience in healthcare English training, I've witnessed countless professionals—from nurses and doctors to physiotherapists and pharmacists—navigate the challenges of the Occupational English Test (OET). 

The Speaking sub-test, in particular, stands out as a pivotal component, testing not just linguistic proficiency but also the ability to communicate effectively in real-world medical scenarios. 

In this article, I'll delve into OET speaking role plays, offering fresh insights, practical examples, and the latest updates as of mid-2025. Whether you're a first-time test-taker or refining your skills, understanding these elements is key to achieving a B grade or higher.

The OET Speaking sub-test is designed to simulate everyday interactions in healthcare settings, ensuring candidates can conduct patient consultations, engage in discussions with colleagues, and participate in educational exchanges with clarity and empathy. 

Lasting approximately 20 minutes, it comprises two role-plays tailored to your profession. Each role play begins with a three-minute preparation phase, followed by a five-minute interaction with an interlocutor who plays the role of a patient, relative, or colleague. 

The focus is on practical communication rather than rote memorization, emphasizing relationship-building, gathering information, and providing clear explanations.

The Core Format of OET Speaking Role Plays

Before exploring examples, let's outline the structure. You'll receive a role card detailing the setting (e.g., hospital ward, clinic, or community health center), your role (e.g., nurse or doctor), and the interlocutor's role. 

The card includes background information and 4-5 bullet points as tasks, such as explaining a procedure, addressing concerns, or providing advice. 

Your performance is assessed across nine criteria: four linguistic (intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness of language, and grammar and cohesion) and five clinical communication (relationship building, understanding patient perspective, providing structure, information gathering, and information giving) aspects.

This format hasn't fundamentally changed, but it demands cultural sensitivity and patient-centred language. For instance, avoid using jargon unless it is explained, and use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue. 

As an expert, I always advise candidates to treat the role play as a genuine conversation—listen actively, respond empathetically, and stay within the five-minute limit.

Latest Updates to OET Speaking in 2025

2025 has brought subtle yet impactful refinements to the OET, influenced by feedback from healthcare regulators and test-takers. One significant change is the introduction of an overall score for the entire test, effective January 29, 2025, which complements the traditional letter grades (A through E) and numerical scores (0-500). 

While this doesn't directly alter the Speaking sub-test, it means that your speaking performance contributes to a holistic evaluation, potentially benefiting those with balanced skills across all sub-tests.

More pertinently, for bookings made on or after July 31, 2025, the Speaking sub-test is now conducted via OET's dedicated Speaking Platform. This digital shift aims to enhance accessibility and standardization, enabling remote testing with improved audio quality and real-time interaction with the interlocutor. 

Candidates receive a reminder email with platform access details. It is crucial to test your setup beforehand, ensuring a quiet environment, a stable internet connection, and a functioning webcam. 

This update addresses previous logistical issues with in-person testing, especially for international candidates. However, it also requires familiarity with virtual etiquette, such as maintaining eye contact via the camera.

Additionally, regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have adjusted the English requirements, now accepting combined scores (e.g., B in listening, reading, and speaking with a C+ in writing, provided that no sub-test score is below C). 

For ECFMG pathways in 2025, OET Medicine remains a requirement, with no major format overhauls but emphasis on timely completion by December 2024 for Match participation. These changes underscore the test's evolution toward flexibility while upholding rigorous standards.

These updates haven't increased difficulty but have made preparation more tech-savvy. Platforms like Oetpro have adapted swiftly, offering free mock tests that simulate the new platform, including timed role-plays with AI feedback.

Key Skills for Excelling in Role Plays

Success hinges on blending medical knowledge with communicative finesse. Linguistic criteria demand clear pronunciation (intelligibility), smooth delivery (fluency), suitable vocabulary (appropriateness), and logical connections (grammar and cohesion). 

Clinically, build rapport by conversationally empathizing with concerns, structuring the conversation logically, asking relevant questions, and providing accurate information.

Common pitfalls include dominating the talk, using overly complex terms, or ignoring emotional cues. To counter this, practice paraphrasing patient worries and summarizing key points. Remember, the interlocutor may introduce curveballs, such as resistance to advice, to test your adaptability.

In-Depth Role Play Examples

To illustrate, let's examine several role-play examples drawn from recent 2025 scenarios. These are crafted based on authentic test themes, incorporating updates such as patient-centred digital interactions. I'll provide the role card summary, a sample script excerpt, and analysis.

Example 1: Nursing Role Play – Body Image Concerns in Adolescents (Inspired by May 2025 Exam)

Setting: School health clinic. You are a school nurse. The patient is a 15-year-old student who is concerned about body image due to the influence of social media.

Tasks: Reassure the patient, explain a healthy body image, advise on a balanced diet/exercise, and suggest resources.

Sample Script:

Nurse: "Hello, I'm Nurse Patel, the school nurse. You must be Alex. How can I help today?"

Patient: "I'm feeling down about how I look. Everyone on Instagram seems perfect."

Nurse: "I understand that can be tough, especially at your age. Social media often shows edited images, not the real thing. Conversation tells me more about what's bothering you?"

[Conversation proceeds with empathy, explaining BMI basics, recommending apps for positive body affirmations, and closing with follow-up.]

Analysis: This scores high in relationship building by validating feelings early. Fluency is maintained through natural transitions. In the 2025 platform, ensure your tone conveys warmth via audio.

Example 2: Medicine Role Play – Wasp Sting Reaction (From July 2025 Sample)

Setting: Emergency department. You are a doctor. The patient is an adult with a severe wasp sting allergy.

Tasks: Assess symptoms, explain anaphylaxis risks, prescribe epinephrine auto-injector, educate on avoidance.

Sample Script:

Doctor: "Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson. I'm Dr. Lee. I see you've been stung by a wasp. How are you feeling now?"

Patient: "It hurts a lot, and I'm scared because I swelled up last time."

Doctor: "That's concerning. Let's check your vital signs first. Have you experienced shortness of breath or hives?"

[Doctor gathers info, explains treatment: "We'll administer antihistamines now, but for the future, carry an EpiPen. Here's how to use it—inject into the thigh and hold for 3 seconds."]

Analysis: Strong information giving with step-by-step instructions. Appropriateness shines in layperson's terms. After July 2025, the platform will record for review, so please enunciate clearly.

Example 3: Physiotherapy Role Play – Fractured Leg Rehabilitation (July 2025 Theme)

Setting: Outpatient clinic. You are a physiotherapist. The patient is recovering from a leg fracture.

Tasks: Review progress, demonstrate exercises, address pain management, and motivate adherence.

Sample Script:

Physio: "Hi, Sarah. I'm your physiotherapist, Mike. How's the leg feeling since our last session?"

Patient: "It's still painful when I walk."

Physio: "Pain is normal at this stage, but let's ease it. First, show me your walking—good effort. Now, try this quad stretch: sit on the edge, extend the leg slowly."

[Explains benefits, suggests ice packs, and encourages: "Consistency will get you back to normal in weeks."]

Analysis: Effective structure with demonstration and motivation. Grammar cohesion links tasks logically. This example highlights the emphasis on interactive elements in virtual settings for 2025.

Example 4: Pharmacy Role Play – High Blood Pressure Medication Adherence (July 2025 Exam)

Setting: Community pharmacy. You are a pharmacist. The patient is non-compliant with hypertension meds.

Tasks: Explore reasons for non-adherence, explain side effects/risks, suggest reminders, and refer if needed.

Sample Script:

Pharmacist: "Hello, Mrs. Garcia. I'm Pharmacist Singh. I've noticed that you've missed refills for your blood pressure medication. What's been happening?"

Patient: "They make me dizzy, so I stopped."

Pharmacist: "Dizziness can occur initially, but uncontrolled hypertension risks heart issues. Let's adjust timing—take at night. Use a pill organizer or app reminders."

Analysis: Excellent information gathering via probing. Understanding the patient perspective prevents judgment. In updated tests, handle interruptions gracefully.

Example 5: Dentistry Role Play – Nose Scab Post-Procedure (June 2025 Sample)

Setting: Dental clinic. You are a dentist. The patient has a persistent nose scab after sinus-related treatment.

Tasks: Examine the issue, advise on hygiene, explain the healing process, and recommend follow-up.

Sample Script:

Dentist: "Welcome back, John. I'm Dr. Kim. Tell me about this nose scab."

Patient: "It's not healing and itches."

Dentist: "Let me take a look. It's common after sinus lifts to keep the area moist with a saline spray. Avoid picking; it should resolve in 7-10 days."

Analysis: Concise information giving. Fluency avoids filler words. Two thousand twenty-five updates encourage the use of visual aids if the platform allows.

These examples showcase a diverse range of professions, reflecting OET's breadth. In practice, adapt to your field—nurses focus on care, doctors on diagnosis.

Tips for Success and Preparation

To excel, record yourself practicing and analyzing your performance against specific criteria. Time management is vital—cover all tasks without rushing. Use phrases like "I appreciate your concern" to convey empathy and "To clarify..." to establish structure.

For preparation, immerse yourself in healthcare dialogues. Resources abound: official sample booklets with assessor comments, as well as free platforms like oetpro, which offer over 100 mock tests, including speaking role-plays with transcripts and tips. Oetpro's user-friendly interface simulates the new Speaking Platform, providing instant feedback on fluency and intelligibility.

Incorporate daily practice: role-play with peers or AI tools. Focus on weak areas— if fluency lags, speak on medical topics for 5 minutes daily. For 2025 test-takers, familiarize yourself with the platform via oetpro.com demos.

OET speaking role plays are more than a test; they're a gateway to confident healthcare communication. With 2025's updates enhancing accessibility, candidates are better positioned for success. As an expert, I've seen dedication yield results—practice these examples, embrace the changes, and you'll thrive. Aim for authenticity, and your scores will reflect it.