Question

Select all that apply
Which of the following are true about discussing the short-term effects of bad news? More than one
answer may be correct.
Skipping a discussion of the negative impact on the recipients will make them see you as
detached from their needs.
It is best to avoid discussing the negative consequences, because it is unpleasant and may
anger recipients.
It is important to discuss what the bad news means to recipients, instead of minimizing it.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1 and 3.

- Skipping discussion of the negative impact can make you seem detached from recipients’ needs — true.
- Avoiding discussion because it’s unpleasant is not best — false; omission breeds mistrust and frustration.
- It is important to acknowledge what the bad news means to recipients rather than minimizing it — true.