Author Question: When conveying a bad-news message, how might the use of the word you be interpreted? What will be ... (Read 63 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?

The average office desk has 400 times more bacteria on it than a toilet.

Did you know?

Hippocrates noted that blood separates into four differently colored liquids when removed from the body and examined: a pure red liquid mixed with white liquid material with a yellow-colored froth at the top and a black substance that settles underneath; he named these the four humors (for blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile).

Did you know?

Anti-aging claims should not ever be believed. There is no supplement, medication, or any other substance that has been proven to slow or stop the aging process.

Did you know?

Hip fractures are the most serious consequences of osteoporosis. The incidence of hip fractures increases with each decade among patients in their 60s to patients in their 90s for both women and men of all populations. Men and women older than 80 years of age show the highest incidence of hip fractures.

Did you know?

More than 30% of American adults, and about 12% of children utilize health care approaches that were developed outside of conventional medicine.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library