How to apologize to a friend, family or co-worker

1. HOW TO
APOLOGISE
AND MEAN IT…

2. EYE CONTACT
Make eye contact with the person that you
are apologising to.
It gives them a sense that you are speaking
only to them and that they are important.
Body language is also important – look at how
you are positioned in comparison to the
person you are apologising to.

3. BE SINCERE – FEEL THEIR PAIN
Use a sincere tone of voice.
Empathise with the person you are apologising to –
feel their pain.
How would you feel if what you did had been done
to you?
Tell them that you understand how you hurt them.
 Say: I know that you feel…

4. OWN UP
 Do not pass the blame.
 Tell them exactly what you did.
 Express remorse – say how sorry you are.
 Do not offer what you cannot give:
I’m so sorry I spilt coke on your new book – I will buy you another book… but you
have no money!
 Say: I know that I hurt you when I …

5. HOW YOU WILL IMPROVE
Keep it positive.
Tell how you have learnt from this and can
improve.
Stick to reality and know your limitations, if it is
a problem that you have, acknowledge it .
Say : In future I will…

6. ACCEPT
Accept that the person you
are apologising to might not be
ready to accept your apology .
They are allowed o say no.
You have to deal with that.