HashOut: 2007/04/01

Good ways to give bad news

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.
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