Final answer:
The correct guideline for delivering bad news in an indirect method is to avoid putting it in parenthetical expressions; this ensures clarity and respectfulness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When organizing a negative message using the indirect method, it is essential to handle the delivery of bad news sensitively. Among the given options, C. Avoid putting the bad news in parenthetical expressions is the guideline for making a clear statement of the bad news. This approach helps to ensure that the bad news is presented directly and respectfully, without being obscured or lessened by surrounding text.
Meanwhile, de-emphasizing the bad news, or maximizing the space devoted to it, are not recommended as they could either belittle the seriousness of the situation or exaggerate its impact, respectively. Placing bad news as the main clause of a compound or complex sentence could distract from the message's clarity. Carefully crafting sentences to convey the message while maintaining a respectful tone is crucial.