Question

When delivering bad news, wording such as "We must turn down," "I am unable to," and "We cannot afford to"

A) softens the blow by drawing attention away from the reader and onto the sender.
B) will impress the reader as being straightforward and forceful.
C) is likely to cause pain and anger in the reader.
D) is unavoidable.
E) displays your professionalism.

Answer 1

Using softer language when delivering bad news can soften the blow and demonstrate professionalism. It's key to blend reality with hope and maintain positive communication to lead to a constructive conversation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When delivering bad news, phrasing such as "We must turn down," "I am unable to," and "We cannot afford to" could potentially soften the blow and display professionalism by reducing the direct impact on the reader. Rather than appearing forceful, these expressions can deliver a message that is clear and respectful, while still being straightforward. Employing such language, along with using caveats like "it seems that," or "it appears to me that," helps to represent uncertainty and invites the listener into a constructive conversation. This approach can mitigate negative reactions such as pain or anger.

To maintain a positive tone, when faced with criticism that your message is discouraging or lacks hope, it is crucial to acknowledge the concern while also offering a perspective of hope or possible solutions. This balances the delivery of serious content without causing undue distress and maintains a bridge-building conversation.

Lastly, when addressing a serious risk, it's important to communicate the gravity of the situation without being overly alarming. A statement that acknowledges the potential for negative outcomes, while remaining open to dialogue and solutions, can be impactful without driving the listener away.