This document outlines 4 essential goals and strategies for effectively delivering bad news: 1. Acceptance of the news by the receiver, clarity of message to limit further inquiries, positive image of the sender, and legal protection to limit liability. It recommends using an indirect pattern to deliver bad news sensitively, by opening with a buffer instead of stating the bad news directly. The indirect pattern is generally most effective. Directness may be required if firmness is needed or the receiver may disregard the news.