Delivering Negative Messages Sensitively

Delivering negative messages sensitively is a process of communicating negative subject matter to an individual or group while maximizing the goodwill of both parties and minimizing the threat of creating badwill and legal liability.
Summary
At some point everyone involved with social or business interactions will have to deliver some sort of negative message. Therefore, it is important to understand the most appropriate measures to use when delivering a negative message. There are two ways of delivering bad news, the direct approach or the indirect approach. The direct approach is best used when you need to get to the point quickly and when the bad news is not too serious. Alternatively, it is best to use the indirect approach when you need to prepare the reader for what he/she is about to discover.
However, one should not solely deliver the negative message and move on to another topic. Conversely, the person giving the bad news should explain why those decisions are necessary and should even offer alternatives. This shows compassion and shows that you are actually making an effort to provide other options. In business, many occasions will arise when delivering bad news will be necessary.
In addition, businesses must be careful with word choice when giving the reasons for their decisions to prevent legal liability. Essentially, when delivering bad news, many factors must be considered such as the most appropriate method and words used not only to help receivers cope with the situation and to show that you are aware of their feelings, but also to protect your reputation and to prevent legal liability.

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