IN your obituary of Richard Ellis (The Herald, August 2) it was detailed how, with his expertise in elocution, he had been engaged by the Church of Scotland to advise potential ministers on how best to communicate with congregations. He encouraged a style of delivery along the lines of a conversation rather than a sermon. It is noticeable how more ministers now step down from the pulpit, when appropriate, to address their congregation, and, in doing so, establish a better rapport with those to whom they are addressing. After all, few of us welcome being looked down upon any more than we enjoy being preached to.

In the field of medicine, for some time part of the training of students and postgraduates includes effective communication with patients. Helpfully, most consultations now take place with the patient sitting adjacent to the practitioner rather than across a desk, which would otherwise impose both a physical and psychological barrier between both parties.

I have long held the view that, after clinical expertise, the ability to communicate with patients from all levels of society, comes a close second. In group practices it is clear that those GPs who have developed what, in another age, might have been best described as "a good bedside manner" are the ones most preferred by patients. In the practise of medicine, as in everyday life, a good listener is often the best communicator or conversationalist.

As one retired GP put it: "There has to be a good reason why we are born with two eyes, two ears, but only one mouth."

Malcolm Allan,

2 Tofthill Gardens, Bishopbriggs.