Author Question: When conveying a bad-news message, how might the use of the word you be interpreted? What will be ... (Read 62 times)

student77

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 567
When conveying a bad-news message, how might the use of the word you be interpreted?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss whether or not an apology should be part of a bad-news message.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Joy Chen

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 354
Answer to Question 1

Answer: If you use the word you too much in a bad-news message, the audience might feel blamed rather than respected. To prevent this, avoid using language that is accusatory or blaming. Since your audience will be more open to accepting the bad news if you treat them politely and respectfully, it is important to strive for this tone. The tone and style of the message should help the audience feel good about you, the situation, and themselves. Another way to achieve this may be to use the passive voice. In passive voice sentences, the subject does not perform the action of the verb. Using the passive voice avoids placing the blame on the audience.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: If you are responsible for the problem, delay, or bad news that you are communicating, it is likely a good idea to include an apology. A sincere apology acknowledging the implications of the bad news for your client may help you project a positive image, maintain goodwill, and hopefully preserve the relationship. By contrast, an insincere apology can alienate your audience. Some think an apology is dangerous because it could imply legal liability, but research shows that a well-timed, strategically worded apology can improve a company's image, facilitate forgiveness, and even decrease damages if the case goes to court. If you apologize for something that is not your fault you run the risk of giving your audience the impression that you are in fact responsible. On the other hand, dodging responsibility when it is appropriate can anger the customer and damage your business. There is no right or wrong answer. Each situation must be considered and evaluated to determine whether or not to include an apology.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in overdose can seriously damage the liver. It should never be taken by people who use alcohol heavily; it can result in severe liver damage and even a condition requiring a liver transplant.

Did you know?

No drugs are available to relieve parathyroid disease. Parathyroid disease is caused by a parathyroid tumor, and it needs to be removed by surgery.

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

Did you know?

Pope Sylvester II tried to introduce Arabic numbers into Europe between the years 999 and 1003, but their use did not catch on for a few more centuries, and Roman numerals continued to be the primary number system.

Did you know?

Patients who cannot swallow may receive nutrition via a parenteral route—usually, a catheter is inserted through the chest into a large vein going into the heart.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library