Final answer:
The proper buffer in a bad-news message should ease the reader into the content and encourage them to keep reading, while staying related to the topic. A diplomatic response to critiques about negativity in storytelling should highlight the importance of confronting reality to inspire action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The buffer in a bad-news message serves a delicate function and should encourage the receiver to continue reading. The best approach is to begin with information or a statement that is relevant, truthful, and neutral, establishing a middle ground before delivering the difficult news. Direct denial or misleading hints of good news are not recommended. When addressing critiques of a story's lack of a positive ending, it's important to craft a diplomatic and persuasive response. While recognizing the human desire for hopeful narratives, one can argue for the importance of confronting and internalizing challenging realities to spur collective action. Acknowledging the gravity of certain situations without offering false reassurances can, paradoxically, be a source of motivation to seek genuine solutions.