Caro Breton Communication Skills Coaching

When something matters, nerves and excitement can feel remarkably similar.

Rather than trying to get rid of those feelings, it can help to recognise them for what they are – a sign that what is about to happen is important.

This week’s reel explores the connection between nerves and excitement and considers ways – including some more unconventional ones! – of dealing with performance anxiety.

Watch the reel here: https://vimeo.com/1213289057/feee6c01ad?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

OSCE Rehearsal Sessions provide an opportunity to work through real stations with live interaction, immediate feedback and detailed notes on what is working, what needs attention and what to focus on before exam day.

OSCE Rehearsal Sessions – £75.

Click here to schedule a session: https://calendly.com/carobretonactor/one-on-one-coaching

I'm so excited! Weird and wonderful ways to deal with nerves Exam nerves are a normal part of OSCE preparation, and there is no single "right" way to manage them. This reel explores a collection of practical, unusual and sometimes slightly quirky techniques that candidates have found helpful for reducing anxiety, improving focus and performing at their best u...

Too Close for Comfort?

Communication isn't just about what you say.

The way you use the space between yourself and your patient also influences how comfortable, respected and at ease they feel.

In an OSCE, it's important to respect the room set-up and be aware of how your positioning contributes to rapport and professionalism.

In this week's short video, I explore why personal space matters – and how this often-overlooked detail can strengthen your communication.

🎥 Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1211332880/6aac49dd68?fl=ip&fe=ec&share=copy

I'm also looking forward to launching a new series of live monthly OSCE Communication Masterclasses in September. More details coming soon!

Too Close For Comfort? Why personal space matters The physical space between you and your patient communicates just as much as your words. Respecting the OSCE room set-up and using the space naturally can help create rapport, maintain professionalism and avoid making the patient feel uncomfortable. This video explores how to use positioning and bod...

Thinking about ORE or LDS Part 2?

If you're preparing for Part 1, or planning your route to UK registration, you may already be wondering what to expect from the communication stations in Part 2.

I've put together a free *OSCE Starter Guide to help you understand:
• what the communication stations involve
• what you'll be expected to demonstrate
• how communication preparation differs from clinical revision.

It's a short introduction designed to help you start thinking about communication before you begin your Part 2 preparation.

📥 Download your free Starter Guide here:
https://carobreton.podia.com/osce-starter-guide

Blind Spot: How Do YourCommunication Skills Really Come Across?

It's often difficult to judge how communication comes across to other people.

Most candidates know what they meant to say, but that's not always how it's perceived by the actor-patient or examiner. That's why honest, constructive feedback is such an important part of OSCE preparation.

This week's reel shares some practical ways to find out how communication is really coming across - and how to use that feedback to improve performance.

🎥 Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1209464241?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

If it's time to take preparation to the next level, 90-minute one-to-one OSCE Rehearsal Sessions (£75) provide realistic practice, immediate feedback, opportunities to repeat and refine consultations, detailed written feedback and a downloadable replay.

📅 Book here: https://calendly.com/carobretonactor/one-on-one-coaching

Blind Spot: How Do You Really Come Across? Blind Spot: How Do You Really Come Across? How can OSCE candidates find out how they really come across to patients and examiners? In this short video, I share practical ways to obtain honest, constructive feedback and explain why understanding how others perceive communication is one of the fastest...

A clear plan can make all the difference.

Preparing for ORE Part 2 or LDS Part 2 can feel daunting, especially when there are so many different courses, resources and opinions about the "best" way to prepare.

That's why I offer a free 20-minute Orientation Call.

It's an opportunity to talk about individual goals, timescales and the different preparation options available. Whether the next step is one-to-one rehearsal sessions, group training or independent study, the aim is simply to help candidates choose the approach that's right for them.

There's no obligation and no pressure - just practical advice and the chance to ask questions.

📅 Book an Orientation Call here: https://calendly.com/carobretonactor/15-minute-consultation

What is an OSCE really for?

It's a question that doesn't get asked often enough.

Many candidates spend months trying to memorise the "right" words, when the OSCE is actually assessing something much more important.

Can information be gathered effectively? Can concerns be explored? Can a diagnosis or treatment plan be explained clearly? Can communication be adapted to the person sitting in the chair?

That's what this week's reel is all about.

🎥 Watch here: https://vimeo.com/share/c5b1d7c0-befa-4646-80f9-d1e9554f47d7?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

If yourpreparation for ORE Part 2 or LDS Part 2 is just getting started, my free OSCE Starter Guide is a great place to begin. It covers the fundamentals of effective OSCE communication and provides a guide for building confidence before moving on to more advanced practice.

📘 Download the free OSCE Starter Guide here: https://carobreton.podia.com/osce-starter-guide

The Bigger Picture: What is an OSCE really for? What is an OSCE really designed to assess? In this short video, I explore the purpose of actor OSCEs and why understanding what the exam is really testing can transform the way candidates prepare.

Confidence isn't something that's simply there or not there. It develops over time.

It's easy to believe that confidence will come once everything has been learnt. In reality, it often grows through regular practice, realistic rehearsal and recognising the progress being made along the way.

This week's short video shares practical strategies for building self-belief, step by step, in preparation for OSCE communication stations.

https://vimeo.com/1208100467/ca7cb2e10e?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

If ORE Part 2 or LDS Part 2 is on the horizon and some guidance would be helpful, free 20-minute Orientation Calls are available to discuss preparation, timelines and the coaching options that might be the best fit.

📅 Book an Orientation Call here: https://calendly.com/carobretonactor/15-minute-consultation

Self-Belief: Building confidence step by step Self-Belief: Building confidence step by step Confidence isn't something you're born with – it's something you build. In this video, I share practical strategies to help you develop genuine confidence for OSCE communication stations, whether you're preparing for ORE Part 2, LDS Part 2 or another c...

Looking for some summer reading? ☀️📘

Summer can be a welcome respite from intensive revision while still providing an opportunity to keep developing the communication skills that make such a difference in OSCEs.

The OSCE Communication Skills Handbook: 50 Strategies for Success contains practical communication techniques, exercises and strategies for medical and dental OSCE candidates. It's designed to help build confidence, encourage reflection and support more natural, patient-centred communication.

Available in both paperback and ebook formats, it's an ideal companion for anyone preparing for ORE Part 2, LDS Part 2 or another clinical OSCE.

The ebook edition is currently available at a reduced summer price.

📘 Find out more here: https://amzn.eu/d/09bJ6mIl

Congratulations to everyone who secured an ORE Part 2 place today! 🎉

If you've booked for September, you'll probably be feeling a mixture of excitement and "Where do I start?"

That's exactly what my OSCE Performance Training is designed for. Through interactive exercises, practical strategies and detailed feedback, you'll develop the communication skills needed to perform confidently in the exam.

Places are limited to six participants to allow plenty of individual feedback.

Feel free to send me a message if you'd like to know more.