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How to Deliver Bad News #shorts

Name: How to Deliver Bad News #shorts
Uploaded: 2024-03-17T19:00:23+00:00
Duration: 56 s
Channel: Shanli Liu, CPA, CTP
Description: In this short instructional video, the speaker outlines a concise three-step approach to delivering bad news effectively and kindly. Step 1 is to give…

17 Mar 2024 · 1 min

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In this short instructional video, the speaker outlines a concise three-step approach to delivering bad news effectively and kindly. Step 1 is to give the listener a clear warning that bad news is coming, avoiding disingenuous small talk. Step 2 is to pause for one to two seconds, allowing the listener to brace themselves and engage their analytical side, which can reduce emotional overreaction. Step 3 is to deliver the news directly; the speaker argues that greater directness equates to greater kindness, recommending straightforward phrasing (e.g., “I can’t come tonight”) instead of apologetic or self‑focused language. The overall message is that a brief warning, a short pause, and a direct statement constitute a compassionate communication strategy for any bad news scenario.

Chapters

How to deliver bad news. Number 1, warn them. Whether it's just declining an invitation or something major, you need to give them a heads up that bad news is coming. So instead of starting with, "How are you? How's it been lately?" which is disingenuous, you're gonna get straight to the point. You'll say something as easy as, "I got bad news," or, "You're not gonna like what I'm about to say," or, "This is gonna be difficult to talk about." You need to give them a heads up. Number 2, give a 1 to 2 second pause. Don't say anything. What you're doing is giving them a chance to brace themselves for what you're about to say. And by adding this pause, you're allowing their analytical side to catch up and lessen the chance of an emotional overreaction. And number 3, deliver the bad news. The key here is the more direct you are, the more kind you will be. Instead of delaying and saying something like, "As much as I hate to tell you this," that's just making it about yourself. You need to rip off the bandaid and be direct. For example, "I got bad news. I can't come tonight." If you want to be kind, be direct. So try that or follow me.