02

Analyzing Negative
News Strategies
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

• Successful delivery of bad news requires considering the audience,

purpose, and context.
• Business communicators use two strategies: direct and indirect
• Analyzing the receiver's likely reaction helps in strategy selection.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2a When to Use the Direct Strategy

 When the bad news is not damaging:
• The bad news is insignificant, such as a small increase in cost.
• It doesn't personally affect the receiver.

 When the receiver may overlook the bad news:

• Changes in service, new policy requirements, and legal announcements
—these critical messages may require boldness to ensure attention.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2a When to Use the Direct Strategy

 When the organization or receiver prefers directness:
• Direct and straightforward communication
• Even for internal messages and announcements, including bad news.

 When firmness is necessary:

• Messages that require demonstrating determination and strength should
avoid delaying techniques.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2a When to Use the Direct Strategy

In the first paragraph:

• “Your information has been compromised," the writer skillfully
addresses a potential identity theft issue right from the start.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2a When to Use the Direct Strategy

In the second paragraph:

• Suggesting credit union customers take specific corrective.
• The tone is respectful and serious
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

• The Indirect Strategy: An Overview
 The indirect strategy involves not immediately revealing the bad
news.
 It theoretically aims to maintain the reader's attention until you can
explain the reasons behind the negative message.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 When the bad news is personally upsetting:
• Examples include layoff notices or personal performance issues.
• Starting indirectly can help ease the emotional impact.
In the business context:
• If the company has made a mistake affecting a customer. An indirect
approach can soften the impact and allow room for resolution.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 When the bad news will provoke a hostile reaction:
• Use the indirect method when the message is likely to irritate or
infuriate the recipient.
By starting with a buffer and reasons:
• Encourage the reader or listener to continue reading or hearing the
message.
• Avoid a blunt announcement, which may cause the recipient to stop
reading.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 When the bad news threatens the customer relationship:

• The indirect strategy can help salvage the customer bond.

• Begin slowly and present reasons to explain what happened.

• Avoid directly announcing bad news or failing to adequately explain the

reasons.
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 When the bad news is unexpected:

• Unexpected bad news can provoke a more negative reaction.

• For example, if a company suddenly closes an office or plant without

prior hints, it's better to reveal the news cautiously with reasons to

soften the impact.

02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 When the bad news is unexpected:

• Unexpected bad news can provoke a more negative reaction.

• For example, if a company suddenly closes an office or plant without

prior hints, it's better to reveal the news cautiously with reasons to

soften the impact.

02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 Conclusion to 7-2b

• Unexpected bad news can provoke a more negative reaction.

• For example, if a company suddenly closes an office or plant without

prior hints, it's better to reveal the news cautiously with reasons to

soften the impact.

02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2b When to Use the Indirect Strategy

 Conclusion to 7-2b
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2c Keeping the Indirect Strategy Ethical

Ethical concerns Softening the

blow
02 Analyzing Negative News Strategies Nguyen Minh Chau

7-2c Keeping the Indirect Strategy Ethical

Ethical concerns Avoiding misrepresentation