At some point, everyone will have to deliver bad news. The bad feelings associated with this type of message can be alleviated if the receiver knows the reason for the bad news, feels the news is revealed sensitively, thinks the matter is treated seriously, and believes that the decision is fair. When applying these strategies, make sure to follow the writing process and determine whether to use a direct or an indirect pattern in your message. Determine what strategy should be used in the following situation.

You own a specialty candle manufacturing company that supplies candles for restaurants and other businesses. Your wax supplier recently went out of business, and the new supplier charges more for shipping and handling. Because of this, you need to raise your prices. Customers need to be informed of this price increase.

What are your goals when responding to the previous scenario?

a. To encourage follow-up correspondence from the receiver
b. To maintain a positive image of you and your organization
c. To promise that your prices won’t increase again
d. To convey fairness
e. To reduce bad feelings