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......Study tips and inspirationThe power of podcasts for OET preparation
The power of podcasts for OET preparation

Success in OET proves that you can use English effectively in healthcare situations, which is why so many healthcare regulators accept it.

To do well in the test, you need to have strong language skills in order to understand and convey complex medical information, to interact effectively and to navigate the nuances of healthcare scenarios.

To develop these skills, you can find lots of resources online and on our OET Ready page and store. And one of the best tools available is right there on your phone – podcasts!

Why use podcasts for OET preparation?

Podcasts are like mini radio shows that you can listen to anytime, anywhere. They offer a unique blend of entertainment and education, making them perfect for improving your English listening skills in preparation for the OET Test.

Here's why podcasts can be your secret weapon:

Real-life language use

Podcasts present language as it's spoken in the real world, complete with natural pronunciation, everyday expressions, accents, and varying rates of speech. This practice can help you get comfortable with the natural flow of English, giving you an edge during the Listening portion of the OET Test.

Flexibility

Podcasts are very adaptable. You can listen to them while commuting, cooking, or during a workout. With the range of topics available, you're bound to find one that aligns with your interests and professional field.

In-depth learning:

Many podcasts cover topics in detail, providing you with a chance to build your vocabulary and comprehension of complex topics – skills crucial to succeeding in the OET Test. Plus, you will probably hear people giving and justifying opinions, agreeing and disagreeing with other – all valuable language to know for OET Listening.

 

Getting started with podcasts

If you're new to podcasts, don't worry. It's easy to get started. Here's how you can begin your journey:

  1. Choose a platform: Podcasts are available on many platforms. Some popular ones are Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. You can access these platforms from your computer or by downloading their apps on your smartphone.
  2. Search for topics: Once you're on a platform, use the search bar to find podcasts. As you're preparing for the OET, try searching for "medical English" or "healthcare conversations." This will give you podcasts that use the type of language you'll hear in OET.
  3. Listen to a few episodes: Don't settle on the first podcast you find. Listen to a few episodes from different podcasts to see which one you like the most. The best podcast for you is one that you enjoy and learn from.
  4. Subscribe: Once you've found a podcast you like, click "subscribe" or "follow." This way, new episodes will automatically show up in your feed. You won't have to search for them each time.

Remember, listening to podcasts should be enjoyable. If you find a podcast boring or too difficult, it's okay to switch to another one. The key is to keep listening regularly. The more you listen, the better your English will get.

Making podcasts work for you

So, now that we've established why podcasts are a fantastic resource, let's discuss how to integrate them into your OET Test preparation. Here are six tips.

  1. Start with familiar topics

If you're a healthcare professional preparing for the OET Test, look for podcasts that discuss topics in your field. Not only will this help you familiarise yourself with the terminology, but it will also keep you engaged and improve your comprehension of the subject matter.

 Use transcripts

Many podcasts provide transcripts of their episodes. Make good use of these. Listening to the podcast while reading the transcript can greatly improve your understanding and recognition of words and phrases. You can even practise reading along with the speaker to work on your fluency and pronunciation for OET Speaking.

  1. Active listening is key

Don't just passively listen to the podcast. Engage with the content. Ask yourself questions, predict what is coming up. Pause when you encounter unfamiliar words or phrases. Look them up. Write them down. Try to use them in your daily conversations.

  1. Summarise what you've heard

After listening to an episode, try to summarise the main points in your own words. This exercise not only tests your understanding but also strengthens your memory and recall of what you've heard. Compare your summary to the transcript to check your understanding.

  1. Consistency is crucial

Make podcast listening a regular part of your study schedule. Consistency will aid your comprehension and listening skills over time.

  1. Mix it up

Need a break from work and OET Test preparation? There are podcasts on every topic you can imagine. Look at the most popular podcasts or search for podcasts related to your hobbies, your favourite TV shows, popular culture, travel – anything! As long as you are listening in English, you are improving your language level. And if you enjoy what you’re listening to, you’re more likely to listen longer.

Our recommendations

So, now that you know how to find and start using podcasts to get OET Ready, it's time to explore. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some of our favourite podcasts for OET Test preparation, and some that are just for fun.

OET and healthcare-related podcasts
‘Just for fun’ podcasts

So, there you have it! Podcasts can be your new best friend for OET Test prep. They're flexible, interesting, and a fun way to learn. Give them a try and see how much they can boost your English skills.

Happy podding!