The consultation remains central to general practice. In 10 minutes or so we need to develop sufficient rapport to delve into another person’s world, understand their viewpoint and define not only their problem but bring our expertise to bear in agreeing a management plan acceptable to both parties. This is a big ask, requiring considerable skill to do well. We rely on our natural ability to communicate and hope that medical students and junior doctors share a natural talent as well. Yet most of us are surrounded in our own lives by examples of poor communication, whether it is with patients, staff, juniors, friends, spouses, children, other relatives, or neighbours. Human communication is straightforward only when others think like us, and we often assume they …