OET SPEAKING PART 2 for doctors – Tips and tricks from a former candidate

Building a strong rapport with patients is key to effective care and trust. Here are some strategies to create a good connection:

1. **Start with Empathy and Warmth**: Begin the conversation with a warm greeting and ask how the patient is doing. Showing genuine concern makes the patient feel heard and valued.
2. **Active Listening**: Give the patient your full attention. Listen without interrupting and use verbal and non-verbal cues (like nodding) to show you’re engaged.
3. **Body Language**: Maintain open and welcoming body language—eye contact, a gentle smile, and a calm posture can make a big difference. Sit at eye level to appear approachable and avoid looking rushed or distracted.
4. **Personalized Conversation**: Try to remember personal details (e.g., family, hobbies) from previous visits. This shows that you care about them as individuals, not just as patients.
5. **Clear Communication**: Use simple, understandable language. Avoid medical jargon unless necessary and check in frequently to ensure the patient understands the conversation.
6. **Empower the Patient**: Encourage them to ask questions and express concerns. When patients feel involved in decision-making, they are more likely to trust you and follow medical advice.
7. **Be Compassionate**: Acknowledge the patient’s emotions, whether they are anxious, upset, or frustrated. Offer reassurance and support.
8. **Respect Privacy and Confidentiality**: Ensure that the patient feels safe sharing personal information by maintaining strict confidentiality.

Would you like specific examples or tips for a particular type of patient interaction?

When dealing with an anxious patient, the goal is to create a safe and calming environment while addressing their concerns. Here’s how to approach the conversation:

1. **Acknowledge Their Anxiety**:
   – **Start by recognizing their feelings**: “I can see that you’re feeling anxious, and that’s

completely understandable.”
– Validating their emotions shows empathy and builds trust.

2. **Stay Calm and Speak Slowly**:
   – **Your tone and pace matter**: Speak in a calm, slow, and soothing voice. Avoid sounding

rushed or impatient, as this can heighten their anxiety.
– Keep your body language relaxed and open to reassure them.

3. **Provide Reassurance**:
   – **Offer gentle reassurance**: “You’re in a safe place, and I’m here to help you.” Simple,

comforting phrases can help the patient feel more at ease.
– Let them know they are not alone and that their symptoms are being taken seriously.

4. **Use Active Listening**:
   – Allow the patient to express their concerns without interruption. Listen attentively, and

show understanding through reflective statements like, “It sounds like you’re really worried about [specific issue].”

5. **Guide Breathing or Relaxation**:
   – Encourage **deep breathing techniques**: “Let’s take a deep breath together. Inhale

slowly through your nose, hold it for a moment, and then exhale gently.” Breathing exercises can help calm their physical symptoms.

– You could also guide them through a brief mindfulness or grounding exercise, asking them to focus on the present moment.