SlideShare a Scribd company logo
© 2010 Thomson South-Western
Instructor Only Version
CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7
NegativeNegative
MessagesMessages
Chapter 7, Slide 2Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Goals in CommunicatingGoals in Communicating
Bad NewsBad News
 Acceptance—strive to help receiver
understand and accept the bad news.
 Positive image—promote good image of
yourself and your organization. Strive to
reduce bad feelings. Convey fairness.
 Message clarity—make the message so
clear that no further correspondence is
necessary.
 Protection—avoid creating legal liability.
Chapter 7, Slide 3Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems
 Defamation—false published statement
that harms an individual's reputation
 Libel—written defamation
 Slander—spoken defamation
Examples: deadbeat, crook, quack
Avoid abusive language.
Chapter 7, Slide 4Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems
Avoid potentially damaging or easily
misinterpreted statements.
Example: The factory floor is too
dangerous for visitors on field trips.
Avoid careless language.
Chapter 7, Slide 5Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Your business messages must
represent the views of the
organization.
 Be careful about revealing company
information, even in a personal
blog.
Remember that you represent
your organization.
Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems
Chapter 7, Slide 6Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Disappointment
 Irritation
 Anger
Common Reactions toCommon Reactions to
Negative InformationNegative Information
 Goods cannot
be delivered
as promised
 Product failure
 Credit refusal
 Billing error
Chapter 7, Slide 7Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
You Can Usually DiminishYou Can Usually Diminish
Negative Feelings ifNegative Feelings if
 The reader
knows the
reasons for
the rejection
 The bad news
is revealed
with sensitivity
 Disappointment
 Irritation
 Anger
Chapter 7, Slide 8Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Buffer Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
The Indirect StrategyThe Indirect Strategy
Using the indirect strategy to
communicate bad news appeals to
relationship-oriented writers
who care about how a message
will affect its receiver.
Chapter 7, Slide 9Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Buffer Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
The Indirect StrategyThe Indirect Strategy
The indirect strategy
allows you to prepare the reader before
delivering the bad news, thus softening
the impact of the bad news.
Chapter 7, Slide 10Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Possible Buffers for OpeningPossible Buffers for Opening
Bad-News MessagesBad-News Messages
 Facts
 Understanding
 Apology
Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
 Best news
 Compliment
 Appreciation
 Agreement
Buffer
Chapter 7, Slide 11Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Quick
Check
How effective are the following openings
for a letter that refuses to grant credit?
Reveals the bad
news bluntly.
Sounds phony
and canned.
Unfortunately, your application
for credit has been reviewed
negatively.
We sincerely regret that we must
deny your credit application.
Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
Chapter 7, Slide 12Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Gives the wrong
impression.
We are delighted to receive your
application for credit.
The recent resurgence of
interest in the stock market
caught many of us by surprise.
Is not relevant.
How effective are the following openings
for a letter that refuses to grant credit?
Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
Chapter 7, Slide 13Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
How effective are the following openings for a
letter that refuses a request for a donation?
Fails to engage
the reader.
Compliments
reader and
implies
approval.
Your request for a monetary
contribution has been referred to
me for reply.
We appreciate the fine work your
organization is doing to provide
early childhood programs that
meet the needs of parents and
very young children.
Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
Chapter 7, Slide 14Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Presenting the ReasonsPresenting the Reasons
 Be cautious in explaining.
 Cite reader benefits, if possible.
 Explain company policy, if relevant.
 Choose positive words.
 Show that the matter was treated
seriously and fairly.
Buffer
Bad
News
ClosingReasons
Chapter 1, Slide 15Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 15Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
To reveal the bad news with
sensitivity, apply the
following techniques for
Cushioning Bad News:
Buffer Reasons Closing
Bad
News
Chapter 1, Slide 16Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 16Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Use the
passive
voice.
Use the
passive
voice.
Suggest
a compromise
or an alternative.
Suggest
a compromise
or an alternative.
Imply
the
refusal.
Imply
the
refusal.
Be clear
but not
overly graphic.
Be clear
but not
overly graphic.
Place the
bad news
in a subordinate
clause.
Place the
bad news
in a subordinate
clause.
Use a
long
sentence.
Use a
long
sentence.
Avoid
the
spotlight.
Avoid
the
spotlight.
Techniques forTechniques for
CushioningCushioning
Bad NewsBad News
Techniques forTechniques for
CushioningCushioning
Bad NewsBad News
Chapter 7, Slide 17Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Use a long sentence.
Don’t put the bad news in a short, simple
sentence.
 Avoid the spotlight.
Put the bad news in the middle of a
paragraph halfway through the message.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
Chapter 7, Slide 18Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
 Place the bad news in a
subordinate clause.
Although we have no opening for an
individual with your qualifications at this
time, we are pleased that you thought of
us when you started your job search.
Chapter 7, Slide 19Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Be clear but not overly graphic.
Instead of this
Our investigation
reveals that you owe
three creditors large
sums and that you
were fired from your
last job.
Try this
Our investigation
reveals that your
employment status and
your financial position
are unstable at this
time.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
Chapter 7, Slide 20Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Imply the refusal.
Instead of this
We cannot contribute
to your charity this
year.
Try this
Although all our profits
must be reinvested in
our company this year,
we hope to be able to
support your future
fund-raising activities.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
Chapter 7, Slide 21Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Suggest a compromise or an
alternative.
Although the cashmere sweater cannot be sold
at the erroneously listed price of $18, we can
allow you to purchase this $218 item for only
$118.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
Chapter 7, Slide 22Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
 Consider using passive voice verbs.
Instead of this
We cannot make
a contribution at
this time.
Try this
A contribution
cannot be made
at this time.
Passive-voice verbs focus attention on
actions rather than on personalities. They are
useful in being tactful.
Chapter 7, Slide 23Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Active voice
I cannot allow you to
return the DVD player
because . . . .
Passive voice
Return of the DVD
player is not allowed
because . . . .
Ryan checked the
report, but he missed
the error.
The report was
checked, but the error
was missed.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
 Consider using passive voice verbs.
Chapter 7, Slide 24Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Notice that passive-voice verb phrases
always include “helper” verbs, such as
is, are, was, were, being, or been.
Examples of “helper” verbs forming
passive voice:
 The report was checked.
 The schedule is being revised.
 Invitations were sent.
Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
Chapter 1, Slide 25Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 25Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Quick
Check
Convert the following statements from active
to passive voice.
A cash contribution
cannot be made this year
because of unusually
high expenses.
I am unable to make a
cash contribution this
year because of
unusually high
expenses.
We cannot process
your application this
month.
Your application cannot
be processed this month.
Chapter 1, Slide 26Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 26Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Our products are sold
only through franchised
retailers.
We sell our products
only through franchised
retailers.
Mark made a
programming error that
delayed our project.
A programming error was
made that delayed our
project.
Convert the following statements from active
to passive voice.
Chapter 7, Slide 27Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Closing Bad-News MessagesClosing Bad-News Messages
Avoid endings that sound canned, insincere,
inappropriate, or self-serving. Try to personalize
the closing with
Buffer Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
 Freebies
 Resale or sales
promotion
 A forward look
 An alternative to the
refusal
 Good wishes
Chapter 7, Slide 28Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing
Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
 Start with a neutral statement on which both
reader and writer can agree, such as a
compliment, an expression of appreciation, a
quick review of the facts, or an apology.
 Try to include a key idea or word that acts as
a transition to the explanation.
Reasons
Bad
News
ClosingBuffer
Chapter 7, Slide 29Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Present valid reasons for the refusal,
avoiding words that create a negative
tone.
 Include resale or sales promotion, if
appropriate.
Buffer
Bad
News
ClosingReasons
Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing
Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
Chapter 7, Slide 30Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Soften the blow by positioning the bad
news strategically, using the passive
voice, accentuating the positive, or
implying a refusal.
 Suggest a compromise or substitute, if
possible.
Buffer Reasons Closing
Bad
News
Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing
Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
Chapter 7, Slide 31Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Renew good feelings with a positive
statement.
 Look forward to continued business.
 Avoid referring to the bad news.
Buffer Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing
Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
Chapter 7, Slide 32Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Examine This EffectiveExamine This Effective
Refusal of Request for Cash RefundRefusal of Request for Cash Refund
Adobe Acrobat
7.0 DocumentOpen letter
by clicking
icon at right.
Chapter 7, Slide 33Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Controlling Damage WithControlling Damage With
Disappointed CustomersDisappointed Customers
 Call the individual involved.
 Describe the problem and apologize.
 Explain
 Why the problem occurred
 What you are doing to resolve the
problem
 How you will prevent the problem from
happening again
Chapter 7, Slide 34Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Follow with a letter that
 Documents details discussed in the
phone call
 Promotes goodwill
Click icon to view
letter illustrating a bad-
news follow-up message.
Adobe Acrobat
7.0 Document
Controlling Damage WithControlling Damage With
Disappointed CustomersDisappointed Customers
Chapter 7, Slide 35Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Refusing CreditRefusing Credit
Four goals in conveying credit refusals:
 Avoiding language that causes hard
feelings
 Retaining customers on a cash basis
 Preparing for possible future credit
without raising false expectations
 Avoiding disclosures that could cause a
lawsuit
Chapter 7, Slide 36Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Delivering Bad News PersonallyDelivering Bad News Personally
 Gather all the information.
 Prepare and rehearse.
 Explain past, present, and future.
 Consider taking a partner.
 Think about timing.
 Be patient with the reaction.
Chapter 7, Slide 37Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking
Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees
 Open with a neutral or positive statement that
transitions to the reasons for the bad news.
 Consider mentioning the best news, a
compliment, appreciation, agreement, or solid
facts.
 Show understanding.
Reasons
Bad
News
ClosingBuffer
Chapter 7, Slide 38Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking
Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees
 Explain the logic behind the bad news.
 Provide a rational explanation using positive
words and displaying empathy.
 Try to show reader benefits, if possible.
Buffer
Bad
News
ClosingReasons
Chapter 7, Slide 39Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking
Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees
 Position the bad news so that it does
not stand out.
 Be positive but don’t sugarcoat it.
 Use objective language.
Buffer Reasons Closing
Bad
News
Chapter 7, Slide 40Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e
 Provide information about an alternative,
if one exists.
 If appropriate, describe what will happen
next.
 Look forward positively.
Buffer Reasons
Bad
News
Closing
Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking
Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees
© 2010 Thomson South-Western
Instructor Only Version
ENDEND

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Ch07 instructor

  • 1. © 2010 Thomson South-Western Instructor Only Version CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7 NegativeNegative MessagesMessages
  • 2. Chapter 7, Slide 2Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Goals in CommunicatingGoals in Communicating Bad NewsBad News  Acceptance—strive to help receiver understand and accept the bad news.  Positive image—promote good image of yourself and your organization. Strive to reduce bad feelings. Convey fairness.  Message clarity—make the message so clear that no further correspondence is necessary.  Protection—avoid creating legal liability.
  • 3. Chapter 7, Slide 3Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems  Defamation—false published statement that harms an individual's reputation  Libel—written defamation  Slander—spoken defamation Examples: deadbeat, crook, quack Avoid abusive language.
  • 4. Chapter 7, Slide 4Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems Avoid potentially damaging or easily misinterpreted statements. Example: The factory floor is too dangerous for visitors on field trips. Avoid careless language.
  • 5. Chapter 7, Slide 5Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Your business messages must represent the views of the organization.  Be careful about revealing company information, even in a personal blog. Remember that you represent your organization. Preventing Legal ProblemsPreventing Legal Problems
  • 6. Chapter 7, Slide 6Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Disappointment  Irritation  Anger Common Reactions toCommon Reactions to Negative InformationNegative Information  Goods cannot be delivered as promised  Product failure  Credit refusal  Billing error
  • 7. Chapter 7, Slide 7Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e You Can Usually DiminishYou Can Usually Diminish Negative Feelings ifNegative Feelings if  The reader knows the reasons for the rejection  The bad news is revealed with sensitivity  Disappointment  Irritation  Anger
  • 8. Chapter 7, Slide 8Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Buffer Reasons Bad News Closing The Indirect StrategyThe Indirect Strategy Using the indirect strategy to communicate bad news appeals to relationship-oriented writers who care about how a message will affect its receiver.
  • 9. Chapter 7, Slide 9Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Buffer Reasons Bad News Closing The Indirect StrategyThe Indirect Strategy The indirect strategy allows you to prepare the reader before delivering the bad news, thus softening the impact of the bad news.
  • 10. Chapter 7, Slide 10Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Possible Buffers for OpeningPossible Buffers for Opening Bad-News MessagesBad-News Messages  Facts  Understanding  Apology Reasons Bad News Closing  Best news  Compliment  Appreciation  Agreement Buffer
  • 11. Chapter 7, Slide 11Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Quick Check How effective are the following openings for a letter that refuses to grant credit? Reveals the bad news bluntly. Sounds phony and canned. Unfortunately, your application for credit has been reviewed negatively. We sincerely regret that we must deny your credit application. Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
  • 12. Chapter 7, Slide 12Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Gives the wrong impression. We are delighted to receive your application for credit. The recent resurgence of interest in the stock market caught many of us by surprise. Is not relevant. How effective are the following openings for a letter that refuses to grant credit? Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
  • 13. Chapter 7, Slide 13Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e How effective are the following openings for a letter that refuses a request for a donation? Fails to engage the reader. Compliments reader and implies approval. Your request for a monetary contribution has been referred to me for reply. We appreciate the fine work your organization is doing to provide early childhood programs that meet the needs of parents and very young children. Evaluating Buffer StatementsEvaluating Buffer Statements
  • 14. Chapter 7, Slide 14Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Presenting the ReasonsPresenting the Reasons  Be cautious in explaining.  Cite reader benefits, if possible.  Explain company policy, if relevant.  Choose positive words.  Show that the matter was treated seriously and fairly. Buffer Bad News ClosingReasons
  • 15. Chapter 1, Slide 15Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 15Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e To reveal the bad news with sensitivity, apply the following techniques for Cushioning Bad News: Buffer Reasons Closing Bad News
  • 16. Chapter 1, Slide 16Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 16Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Use the passive voice. Use the passive voice. Suggest a compromise or an alternative. Suggest a compromise or an alternative. Imply the refusal. Imply the refusal. Be clear but not overly graphic. Be clear but not overly graphic. Place the bad news in a subordinate clause. Place the bad news in a subordinate clause. Use a long sentence. Use a long sentence. Avoid the spotlight. Avoid the spotlight. Techniques forTechniques for CushioningCushioning Bad NewsBad News Techniques forTechniques for CushioningCushioning Bad NewsBad News
  • 17. Chapter 7, Slide 17Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Use a long sentence. Don’t put the bad news in a short, simple sentence.  Avoid the spotlight. Put the bad news in the middle of a paragraph halfway through the message. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
  • 18. Chapter 7, Slide 18Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News  Place the bad news in a subordinate clause. Although we have no opening for an individual with your qualifications at this time, we are pleased that you thought of us when you started your job search.
  • 19. Chapter 7, Slide 19Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Be clear but not overly graphic. Instead of this Our investigation reveals that you owe three creditors large sums and that you were fired from your last job. Try this Our investigation reveals that your employment status and your financial position are unstable at this time. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
  • 20. Chapter 7, Slide 20Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Imply the refusal. Instead of this We cannot contribute to your charity this year. Try this Although all our profits must be reinvested in our company this year, we hope to be able to support your future fund-raising activities. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
  • 21. Chapter 7, Slide 21Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Suggest a compromise or an alternative. Although the cashmere sweater cannot be sold at the erroneously listed price of $18, we can allow you to purchase this $218 item for only $118. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
  • 22. Chapter 7, Slide 22Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News  Consider using passive voice verbs. Instead of this We cannot make a contribution at this time. Try this A contribution cannot be made at this time. Passive-voice verbs focus attention on actions rather than on personalities. They are useful in being tactful.
  • 23. Chapter 7, Slide 23Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Active voice I cannot allow you to return the DVD player because . . . . Passive voice Return of the DVD player is not allowed because . . . . Ryan checked the report, but he missed the error. The report was checked, but the error was missed. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News  Consider using passive voice verbs.
  • 24. Chapter 7, Slide 24Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Notice that passive-voice verb phrases always include “helper” verbs, such as is, are, was, were, being, or been. Examples of “helper” verbs forming passive voice:  The report was checked.  The schedule is being revised.  Invitations were sent. Cushioning the Bad NewsCushioning the Bad News
  • 25. Chapter 1, Slide 25Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 25Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Quick Check Convert the following statements from active to passive voice. A cash contribution cannot be made this year because of unusually high expenses. I am unable to make a cash contribution this year because of unusually high expenses. We cannot process your application this month. Your application cannot be processed this month.
  • 26. Chapter 1, Slide 26Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Chapter 7, Slide 26Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Our products are sold only through franchised retailers. We sell our products only through franchised retailers. Mark made a programming error that delayed our project. A programming error was made that delayed our project. Convert the following statements from active to passive voice.
  • 27. Chapter 7, Slide 27Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Closing Bad-News MessagesClosing Bad-News Messages Avoid endings that sound canned, insincere, inappropriate, or self-serving. Try to personalize the closing with Buffer Reasons Bad News Closing  Freebies  Resale or sales promotion  A forward look  An alternative to the refusal  Good wishes
  • 28. Chapter 7, Slide 28Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims  Start with a neutral statement on which both reader and writer can agree, such as a compliment, an expression of appreciation, a quick review of the facts, or an apology.  Try to include a key idea or word that acts as a transition to the explanation. Reasons Bad News ClosingBuffer
  • 29. Chapter 7, Slide 29Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Present valid reasons for the refusal, avoiding words that create a negative tone.  Include resale or sales promotion, if appropriate. Buffer Bad News ClosingReasons Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
  • 30. Chapter 7, Slide 30Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Soften the blow by positioning the bad news strategically, using the passive voice, accentuating the positive, or implying a refusal.  Suggest a compromise or substitute, if possible. Buffer Reasons Closing Bad News Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
  • 31. Chapter 7, Slide 31Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Renew good feelings with a positive statement.  Look forward to continued business.  Avoid referring to the bad news. Buffer Reasons Bad News Closing Writing Plan for RefusingWriting Plan for Refusing Routine Requests or ClaimsRoutine Requests or Claims
  • 32. Chapter 7, Slide 32Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Examine This EffectiveExamine This Effective Refusal of Request for Cash RefundRefusal of Request for Cash Refund Adobe Acrobat 7.0 DocumentOpen letter by clicking icon at right.
  • 33. Chapter 7, Slide 33Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Controlling Damage WithControlling Damage With Disappointed CustomersDisappointed Customers  Call the individual involved.  Describe the problem and apologize.  Explain  Why the problem occurred  What you are doing to resolve the problem  How you will prevent the problem from happening again
  • 34. Chapter 7, Slide 34Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Follow with a letter that  Documents details discussed in the phone call  Promotes goodwill Click icon to view letter illustrating a bad- news follow-up message. Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Document Controlling Damage WithControlling Damage With Disappointed CustomersDisappointed Customers
  • 35. Chapter 7, Slide 35Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Refusing CreditRefusing Credit Four goals in conveying credit refusals:  Avoiding language that causes hard feelings  Retaining customers on a cash basis  Preparing for possible future credit without raising false expectations  Avoiding disclosures that could cause a lawsuit
  • 36. Chapter 7, Slide 36Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Delivering Bad News PersonallyDelivering Bad News Personally  Gather all the information.  Prepare and rehearse.  Explain past, present, and future.  Consider taking a partner.  Think about timing.  Be patient with the reaction.
  • 37. Chapter 7, Slide 37Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees  Open with a neutral or positive statement that transitions to the reasons for the bad news.  Consider mentioning the best news, a compliment, appreciation, agreement, or solid facts.  Show understanding. Reasons Bad News ClosingBuffer
  • 38. Chapter 7, Slide 38Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees  Explain the logic behind the bad news.  Provide a rational explanation using positive words and displaying empathy.  Try to show reader benefits, if possible. Buffer Bad News ClosingReasons
  • 39. Chapter 7, Slide 39Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees  Position the bad news so that it does not stand out.  Be positive but don’t sugarcoat it.  Use objective language. Buffer Reasons Closing Bad News
  • 40. Chapter 7, Slide 40Mary Ellen Guffey, Essentials of Business Communication, 8e  Provide information about an alternative, if one exists.  If appropriate, describe what will happen next.  Look forward positively. Buffer Reasons Bad News Closing Writing Plan for BreakingWriting Plan for Breaking Bad News to EmployeesBad News to Employees
  • 41. © 2010 Thomson South-Western Instructor Only Version ENDEND