Saying something someone doesn't want to hear is never easy, but these tips from The Mind Gym (Time Warner Books) will help.

• Set aside enough time and make sure you won't be interrupted--turn off your mobile at the least.
• Rehearse your opening line, but get to the point.
• Consider how you frame the news: "For a man of your age, apart from high blood pressure, you're in good shape," sounds better than, "you have hypertension, which can lead to hear disease."
• Know your facts and be prepared for questions.
• Show you care but don't mind-read or say how uncomfortable you feel. Focus on them.