Be able to give a “warning shot” and to speak without jargon, in small chunks.
Knowledge: the news, with care
K — Knowledge
Now for the news itself. Three techniques make it bearable — they're in the diagram below.
A word on jargon: not “the neoplasm has undergone malignant transformation” but “it's cancer”; not “inoperable” but “this tumor can't be removed with surgery.” Jargon is a way to hide from the weight of it, but the person is left alone with what they didn't understand.
And remember: after the word “cancer,” a person often can't take in anything for the next minute. Don't bury them in details — say one or two sentences and stop. Let it sink in. Ask: “Does that make sense? Shall I go on?”
Three techniques of step K
- 1“Warning shot”
“Unfortunately, I don't have the best news…” — a second for them to brace themselves.
- 2Plain words
Without jargon — the way you'd say it to someone outside your profession.
- 3In small chunks
One or two sentences — pause — check understanding — continue.
Lesson notes
K — Knowledge
Now for the news itself. Three techniques make it bearable — they're in the diagram below.
A word on jargon: not “the neoplasm has undergone malignant transformation” but “it's cancer”; not “inoperable” but “this tumor can't be removed with surgery.” Jargon is a way to hide from the weight of it, but the person is left alone with what they didn't understand.
And remember: after the word “cancer,” a person often can't take in anything for the next minute. Don't bury them in details — say one or two sentences and stop. Let it sink in. Ask: “Does that make sense? Shall I go on?”