Discussion board activity
Business Communication Today
Fourteenth Edition
Chapter 11
Writing Negative Messages
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Learning Objectives (1 of 2)
11.1 Apply the three-step writing process to negative
messages.
11.2 Explain how to effectively use the direct approach when
conveying negative news.
11.3 Explain how to effectively use the indirect approach when
conveying negative news.
11.4 Explain the importance of maintaining high standards of
ethics and etiquette when delivering negative messages.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Learning Objectives (2 of 2)
11.5 Describe successful strategies for sending negative
messages on routine business matters.
11.6 List the important points to consider when conveying
negative organizational news.
11.7 Describe successful strategies for sending negative
employment-related messages.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Using the Three-Step Writing Process for
Negative Messages
• LO 11.1 Apply the three-step writing process to negative
messages.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Five Goals of Negative Communication
• Convey the Bad News
• Gain Acceptance of the Bad News
• Maintain Audience’s Goodwill
• Maintain Good Image for Organization
• Reduce the Need for Future Correspondence
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Step 1: Planning a Negative Message
• Consider Your Audience and Purpose
• Select the Right
• Medium and Channel
• Define Your Main Idea
• Choose the Best Approach
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Choosing the Direct or Indirect Approach
Direct Indirect
Do You Need to Get the
Reader’s Attention?
How Important
is the News to the Reader?
What is the Audience’s
Preference?
Will the Bad News Come as
a Shock?
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Step 2: Writing a Negative Message
• Write Clearly and Sensitively
• Clarify Your Qualifications
• Convey Respect
• Observe Communication Etiquette
• Choose Positive Words
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Step 3: Completing a Negative Message
• Revise Your Content
• Produce Professional Documents
• Proofread Carefully
• Deliver Messages Promptly
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Using the Direct Approach for Negative
Messages
• LO 11.2 Explain how to effectively use the direct approach
when conveying negative news.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opening With a Clear Statement of the Bad
News
• State the Bad News at the Beginning
• Maintain a Calm, Professional Tone
• Focus on the News Not on Individuals
• Explain or Remind the Reader Why You’re Writing
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Providing Reasons and Additional
Information
• Explain Why the News Is Negative
• Consider the Nature of the News
• Assess Your Relationship with the Reader
• Determine Whether to Apologize
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Factors for Determining Whether to
Apologize
• Deliver the Apology from the Right Person in the
Organization
• Only Apologize if it is Sincere
• Deliver the Apology Quickly
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Close on a Respectful Note (1 of 2)
• Consider Alternatives
• Include Positive Statements
• Communicate How Future Mistakes Will Be Avoided
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Using the Indirect Approach for Negative
Messages
• LO 11.3 Explain how to effectively use the indirect
approach when conveying negative news.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opening With a Buffer
• Open With a Neutral Statement
• Establish Common Ground
• Express Appreciation
• Assure the Readers You Understand Their Needs
• Be Relevant and Sincere
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Continuing With a Clear Statement of the
Bad News (1 of 2)
• To Handle Bad News Carefully:
– De-emphasize the Bad News
– Use a Conditional Statement
– Tell What You DID, Not What You Didn’t
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Continuing With a Clear Statement of the
Bad News (2 of 2)
• To Handle Bad News Carefully:
– De-emphasize the Bad News
– Use a Conditional Statement
– Emphasize What You DID, Not What You Didn’t Do
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Close on a Respectful Note (2 of 2)
• Find a Positive Angle
• Avoid an Uncertain Conclusion
• Manage Future Correspondence
• Express Optimism
• Be Sincere
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Maintaining High Standards of Ethics and
Etiquette
• LO 11.4 Explain the importance of maintaining high
standards of ethics and etiquette when delivering negative
messages.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Challenges of Sending and Receiving
Negative Messages
• Legal Compliance
• Impact of Negative Message on Recipient
• Managing Emotions of Both Sender and Recipient
• Appropriately Timing the Message
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Effectively Sharing Bad News
Employees Managers Whistleblowers
Sending Negative
News
Open
Communication
Internal and
External Reporting
Mechanisms
Timely
Communication
Active
Listening
Internal and
External
Protection
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sending Negative Messages on Routine
Business Matters
• LO 11.5 Describe successful strategies for sending
negative messages on routine business matters.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Making Negative Announcements on
Routine Business Matters
• Open with a Buffer
• Advance Your Reasoning
• Announce the Change
• Close on a Positive Note
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Rejecting Suggestions and Proposals
• Choose Your Approach Based on the Following Factors:
– Is the Proposal Solicited or Unsolicited?
– Is the Proposal from an Internal or External Source?
– What is the Nature of Your Relationship With the
Sender?
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Refusing Routine Requests
• Choose Your Approach
• Focus on the Most Important Relationships and Requests
• Don’t Leave a Closed Matter Open-Ended
• Offer Alternatives
• Only Offer Other Assistance If Available
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Handling Bad News About Transactions
• Three Goals
– Modify Customer’s Expectations
– Explain How You Plan To Resolve
– Repair Damage to Business Relationship
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Refusing Claims and Requests for
Adjustment
DO DON’T
Provide Accurate Information Use Abusive Language
Consult Legal Advisers Allow Anger or Malice to
Motivate You
Communicate Honestly Use Negative Tone
Emphasize Good
Future Relationship
Use Accusations
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sending Negative Organizational News
• LO 11.6 List the important points to consider when
conveying negative organizational news.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Communicating Under Normal
Circumstances
• Match the Approach to the Situation
• Consider the Unique Needs of Each Group
• Give Each Audience Time to React
• Plan and Manage a Response
• Look For Positive Angles
• Seek Expert Advice
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Responding to Negative Information In a
Social Media Environment
• Responding to Online Rumors
• Countering False Information
• Defending Attacks on a Company’s Reputation
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Responding to Rumors and Countering
Negative Information
• Engage Early, Engage Often
• Monitor the Conversation
• Evaluate Negative Messages
• Respond Appropriately
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Communicating in a Crisis
• Develop a Crisis Management Plan
– Define Operational Procedures
– Outline Communication Tasks and Responsibilities
– List News and Social Media Outlets for Disseminating
Information
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sending Negative Employment Messages
• LO 11.7 Describe successful strategies for sending
negative employment-related messages.
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Refusing Requests for Employee References
and Recommendation Letters
Employees Applicants
Be Concise Prepare Carefully
Be Direct Use Tact and Diplomacy
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Refusing Social Networking
Recommendation Requests
• Three Options
– Ignore or Delete the Request
– Refrain From Making Any Recommendations
– Responding to the Request
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Rejecting Job Applications
• Personalize with the Recipient's Name
• Open with Appreciation
• Convey the News Politely and Concisely
• Avoid Explanations
• Don’t Imply the Application Will Be Reviewed Later
• Close With Positive Wishes
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Giving Negative Performance Reviews
• Document Performance Problems
• Evaluate All Employees Consistently
• Write in a Calm, Objective Voice
• Focus on Opportunities for Improvement
• Keep Job Descriptions Up to Date
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terminating Employment
• Clearly Present the Reasons
• Present Reasons in a Neutral Manner
• Follow Company Policy and Applicable Laws
• Avoid Personal Attacks or Insults
• Have a Colleague Review the Letter
• Deliver the Letter in Person
Copyright © 2018, 2015, 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright