Utilizing the Style Under Stress™ tool within Crucial Conversations© methodology to stimulate veterinary students' reflective practice of communication behaviors during client interactions.

Introduction: "Crucial" conversations occur commonly in the veterinary profession and students require exposure to, and training in, these difficult communication dynamics. Methods: To introduce the concept of how people respond during perceived crucial, intense, or difficult communication dynamics, we asked first-semester veterinary students to complete a "Style Under Stress™" self-assessment offered by the Crucial Conversations© (Crucial Learning) educational platform. This tool is used in the training of the Crucial Conversations© model and provides important insight into how people may respond during crucial conversations. First-year veterinary students in the initial (fall) semester of their curriculum completed this assessment beginning in 2016 (Class of 2020) continuing annually through fall of 2024 (Class of 2028). Results: Responses were compared between classes (years) to determine student style consistency between years. Most students were assigned a "Silence" style (examples including "withdrawing," "masking," or "avoiding") and this was preserved throughout the different years. Discussion: The feedback provided through the assessment is used as a component of medical communication training in developing competency during crucial communication encounters. Students learn about their individual defaults as well as how others may respond in similar crucial conversation situations.