Question

Which of the following statements about writing bad-news messages is true?

Question 14 options:

	A) If you must say "no," it is best to use the direct approach.
	B) A direct approach may be appropriate if you need to convince your readers that there is a problem they must act to solve.
	C) The direct approach should be used if you expect your message to shock or anger your reader.
	D) The indirect approach should be used with all bad-news messages.
	E) It is best to use the indirect approach if you expect your reader to accept the negative news routinely.

Answer 1

Solution:

Option A & B

If the negative news has to be broken up with strong negation it is desired to use the direct approach and state the negative news briefly to ensure the readers are able to understand the reasons for such bad news. Hence, the direct strategy is desired while communicating bad news.

The direct approach is also used to convince the readers to take specific actions for issues they must solve. This will give the readers a direct intention of the author and hence direct strategy is desired for convincing the readers.

If the news is going to anger the readers then it is best to use indirect strategy and not a direct strategy to avoid outbreak of anger among readers.

It is false to use indirect strategy in all bad news messages.

If the bad news is a routine task for the readers then direct approach is desired and not an indirect approach.

Hence, option A and B are correct.