VETS are often quite sensitive about having their consultations analysed, but the process can be a very worthwhile one, for the individual and the practice as a whole. Consultations are where the work, patient and client care, and income for the practice are first determined. Being proactive in developing and maintaining consultation skills, and gathering evidence to show that skills are improving, can reduce client complaints. The process need not be an especially formal one. Paul Manning draws on findings from his own research into veterinary consultations to stimulate practitioners to think about how effective they are being in the consulting room.