Question

This activity is important because you will often deliver bad news in the workplace. You should choose spoken versus written delivery by carefully evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of each communication channel. The goal of this activity is to demonstrate your understanding of the advantages of delivering bad news in both spoken form and in written form. Group the bad news by whether the item is more likely an advantage for delivering bad news in spoken form or written form. Move each label to the correct drop zone box. The notes button next to a label provides more information. Labels Clarify, Conversational, Intentions, Craft, Respond, More people, Document, Cues.

Answer 1

Spoken — advantages
- Clarify — You can answer questions and clear up misunderstandings immediately.
- Conversational — Allows a back-and-forth, which feels more natural and human.
- Intentions — Tone and delivery help convey empathy and motive.
- Respond — The recipient can react and you can respond in real time.
- Cues — Verbal tone and nonverbal signals (facial expression, body language) add meaning.

Written — advantages
- Craft — You can carefully draft and revise wording before sending.
- Document — Provides a permanent record and paper trail.
- More people — Easier to reach many recipients consistently (email, memo, announcement).

Note: Some situations blend channels (e.g., follow a spoken conversation with a written summary) — choose based on urgency, complexity, emotional impact, and need for a record.