ENGL WBA or WBB
September , 2013
BAD NEWS REFUSED REQUEST
You are a distinguished professor of business communication and assume that you have received an invitation to present the keynote address at the international meeting of the Association of Business Communicators next June 14. It is a fitting reward for your professional development over the past years, and you are greatly honored. The meeting is in Singapore and this adds to the excitement. Your excitement is dashed however, when you learn that it is scheduled for the same date as your family reunion.
For the past two years you have been arranging this reunion with your Aunt Tony and Aunt Mildred. You will see relatives that you have not seen in years. Out of love and loyalty you must attend the reunion. In fact, you have promised to attend and make a significant contribution to the expenses of the event.
As much as you regret it, you must refuse the speaking engagement. You’ll try to make the refusal so agreeable that you might be recommended for another such assignment in the future.
Send your message by Email to: Professor Diana Chan of Singapore University, the program chairperson. She is the one who extended the invitation.