Post on 12-Jan-2016
description
Includes material from Guffey text Ch 11
Sensitive Messages
Communication Matters: Discussion
A Sorry Strategy Share a time you received bad news
did the sender use any of the techniques discussed in the article?
Was the approach effective?
Goals in CommunicatingBad News
To make the reader understand and accept the bad news
To promote and maintain a good image of the writer and the writer’s organization
To make the message so clear that additional correspondence is unnecessary
To avoid legal liability
The Indirect Pattern
BufferBuffer
ReasonsReasons
Bad NewsBad News
CloseClose
The Indirect Pattern
BUFFER – a neutral or positive opening that does not reveal the bad news
REASONS – an explanation of the causes for the bad news
BAD NEWS – a clear but understated announcement of the bad news that may include an alternative or compromise
CLOSE – a personalizing, forward-looking, pleasant statement
Buffering the Opening
Good news Agreement/Understanding Apology (customers only) Compliment Appreciation Facts
Reasons
Justify the bad news with objective reasons (without revealing bad news
Avoid blaming the reader or hiding behind company policy
Use objective, nonjudgmental language - avoid negativity (unfortunately, impossible)
Show empathy and fairness Identify reader (or other’s) benefits Focus on maintaining the relationship
avoid being blunt or insensitive Use resale, if appropriate
Bad News
Explain the bad news clearly, but don’t accentuate it.
Avoid negative language. Say the bad news once and
move on to a focus on the future/alternatives.
Never repeat the bad news
Bad News
1. Subordinating bad news in passive voice although our equipment can’t be loaned, we
wish you well in . . .
2. Implying bad news in passive voice Because our equipment is sold only through
dealers, we invite you to examine it at your local Stereo City.
Passive-Voice Verbs
Rewrite these sentences in passive voice:
Because of our Web site, we are no longer offering a printed catalog.
We are unable to grant your request for a loan.
Subordinating Bad News
Subordinating formula:
While/Although (bad news in passive voice), (alternative in active voice)
Rewrite subordinating the bad news: It is impossible for us to ship your complete
order at this time. However, we are able to send the four oak desks now; you will receive them within five days.
Implying Bad News
Implying formula:Because/Since (reason in passive voice), (alternative in active voice).
Rewrite implying the bad news: I already have a prior engagement in my
appointment calendar for March 31st. Therefore, I am unable to speak to your group. However, I would like to recommend another speaker.
Implying Bad News
Rewrite implying the bad news: Because of the holiday period, all our
billboard space was used this month. Therefore, we are sorry to say that we could not give your group display space. However, next month we hope to display your message.
Close
Supply more information about an alternative, if one is offered.
Look forward to future business. Offer good wishes and
compliments. Avoid referring to the
refusal/bad news. End on a positive, friendly note.
Use the Direct Pattern
When organization policy/culture suggests directness
When the receiver prefers directness
When firmness is necessary. Employee disciplinary actions.
When the bad news is insignificant