SPIKES: Breaking Bad News
When to use it
Any role-play where you must share upsetting information, admit a mistake to someone, or deliver a disappointing decision.
The steps
- 1
Setting
Create privacy, sit down, make eye contact, check it's a good time and minimise interruptions. Introduce yourself.
- 2
Perception
Find out what they already know or suspect. 'What have you heard so far?' This lets you start where they are.
- 3
Invitation
Ask how much they want to know and signal that difficult news is coming: 'I'm afraid I have some bad news.'
- 4
Knowledge
Give the information in small, plain-language chunks. Pause. Avoid jargon and euphemism. Check understanding.
- 5
Emotions and Empathy
Notice and name the emotion, allow silence, and respond empathically: 'I can see this is a real shock.' Don't rush to fix or reassure falsely.
- 6
Strategy and Summary
Agree next steps together, offer support, summarise, and check what else they need. If you were at fault, apologise sincerely and say what you will do to put it right.
Worked example
In a station where you must tell a friend that you lost the laptop they lent you: Setting — 'Have you got a minute to sit down? I need to talk to you about something.' Perception — 'You know I borrowed your laptop for the weekend…' Invitation — 'I'm really sorry, but I've got bad news about it.' Knowledge — 'I left it on the train on Saturday. I've reported it to lost property, but it hasn't been handed in.' Emotions — pause; 'I can see you're angry, and you have every right to be.' Strategy — 'I want to make this right. I'll pay for a replacement, and let's work out what you need for your coursework this week.'
Try it yourself: Role-play: tell your friend that you have lost the laptop they lent you.
Common mistakes
- Blurting the news in the first sentence with no warning shot.
- Filling every silence — the other person needs time to react.
- False reassurance ('it'll be fine') or defensive excuses.
- Not agreeing a concrete next step before the station ends.