The document outlines a framework for communicating bad news that includes stating the situation clearly, providing relevant context, discussing alternative options considered and their pros and cons, recommending a course of action and how it addresses the problem and resulting hardships, reaffirming goals and expectations for the future, and summarizing key points to boost confidence or morale.

1. Communicating Bad News

2. Our Situation
• State the bad news
• Be clear, don’t try to obscure the situation

3. How did this Happen?
• Any relevant history, facts, or strategies
• Original assumptions that are no longer valid

4. Alternatives Considered
• Present alternative courses of action
• Discuss pros/cons of each

5. Recommendation or Decision
• State the recommended course of action or decision
• Discuss how recommendation addresses the problem
• Discuss how plan will address hardships resulting
from action

6. Our Vision for the Future
• Reaffirm your goals
• Set expectations for the future
• Set a time for expected results

7. Summary
• Key Points to remember that will give audience
confidence or improve morale