| There are different strategies and techniques to | | | | code of ethics. An example for a reason for a |
| be discussed when writing good-news and | | | | bad-news letter is: |
| bad-news letters. In good-news letters a writer is | | | | A company I work for has been advised to |
| conveying good news to the receiver. The first | | | | downsize labor cost by any means possible. The |
| paragraph (introduction) provides the good-news | | | | only choice I have is to terminate all temporary |
| topic (reason for the letter). The second | | | | positions within the company. This decision |
| paragraph (discussion) provides the details of the | | | | requires that I write bad news letters to each of |
| good-news and the third paragraph (conclusion) | | | | the temporary employees, terminating them and |
| calls for action. | | | | explaining to each one the reason for termination. |
| Bad-news letters use the indirect approach and | | | | I must take care to use tact and politeness |
| opens with a neutral idea while providing facts and | | | | throughout the letter while making it clear that |
| supporting evidence. The second paragraph | | | | their job performance was excellent and had no |
| presents the reason for the bad news letter. The | | | | bearing on my company decision. When writing to |
| third paragraph ends with a neutral close. Tact | | | | the employee, I should offer a severance pay |
| and politeness is required when writing a letter of | | | | and to write a letter of recommendation to help |
| bad news. A writer of a letter of bad news must | | | | the employee with job search. Additionally, medical |
| pay attention to tone and structure throughout | | | | benefits should be extended for a short time |
| the letter to avoid future problems. Writers must | | | | after termination. Additionally, letting the employee |
| prevent themselves from offending the reader. | | | | know that with his, or her given qualifications and |
| All writing is a form of persuasion. A writer tries | | | | proven abilities, I am confident that he or she will |
| to persuade their reader to understand his, or her | | | | find another position in the near future. End on a |
| point of view. Attention to wording is essential in a | | | | calm and upward happy note. |
| bad-news business letter to prevent breaking the | | | | |