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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