Asking as many questions as possible during NAC-OSCE stations is every IMGs' goal but rushing through your questions is not the path to securing exam success. Why?

When you speed through your questions, you don't allow yourself enough time to process the simulated patient's (SP) information and give yourself ample opportunity to fully respond. This results in missing something and/or having to repeat yourself, thereby wasting precious exam time. And the examiner will take notice. For this reason, active listening is one of the most valuable communication skills to hone and possess in this exam.

Further, rushing your history impedes your SP's ability to answer. They are your dancing partner in the station, following your lead. If you move too quick, they will struggle to keep up with your footwork. And the examiner will take notice.

So, how can you optimize your active listening skills while balancing your pace?

Here are helpful some tips:

1. Insert short pauses in between questions to give yourself a few seconds to reflect and respond.

2. Sign post regularly to shape an organized history and/or physical.

3. Limit the use rapid fire questions to inquiries about associated symptoms and to conducting a review of systems. Remember to sign post so the SP will know to expect a barrage of questions.

4. Occasionally, nod your head in the affirmative to acknowledge your SP's statements instead of commenting on all their replies.

5. Notice when you are speaking quickly, then slow down and breathe.

6. Find your own steady rhythm. Using a metronome may help you practice asking questions at a consistent pace. A good place to start is somewhere between 30 and 34 BPM (Beats per minute).

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