DO's
1) At the beginning of the appointment, be aware of your own thoughts, emotions and appearance;
2) Take the opportunity during introduction to observe the patient;
3) Follow the traditional courtesy dictums; open the patient's door, welcome them warmly by name, and shake hand;
4) Recognize anger or annoyance associated with waiting times.
DO NOT's
1) Project your tiredness, stress, boredom, unhappiness, etc., on your patients;
2) Appear to be the above (at least, try not in the first 30 seconds of the consultation);
3) Be defensive or ignore a patient’s frustration or distress.