6.7 Standard Business Style – The Indirect Pattern

Recall our discussion about organizational patterns of communication. We looked more closely at the direct pattern of delivering information, which gets straight to the point of your message, without any preamble or contextualization. The direct pattern works best when:

• You already know how the reader will react;
• You know that he/she is anxious to get the information you are sending;
• You don’t need to be diplomatic or tactful in order to maintain a professional relationship.

Sometimes, however, you might be uncertain about how the reader will react to your message or know that he/she will be upset or even angered by it. You might be required to deliver bad news or sensitive information that the reader may not want to hear but needs to know. In these cases, particularly if you are interested in maintaining a professional relationship with the reader, it is best to slow down and approach the task more indirectly. This week, we will focus on delivering bad or unwanted news tactfully, empathetically that is reader-centred and as positive as possible.

Introducing the Indirect Pattern

The indirect pattern is particularly challenging because it requires that writers think deeply about what it means to create genuinely reader-centred texts. This focus on the reader is often absent from academic writing and everyday professional messages and conversations. Ordinarily, we tend to think more about what we want to say than how our reader will react (unless the reader is someone we are closely acquainted with and whose feelings we want to protect). We usually don’t face serious consequences if we forget to think about our reader(s).

Sometimes, however, the consequences of not considering our reader’s potential reactions can be severe. A poorly judged or insensitively written message can result in unwanted consequences, including:

• An angry response sent directly to you, or over your head to your boss or manager;
• Tension and conflict in your workplace or professional relationships;
• The loss of a client or customer;
• Poor reviews and loss of reputation through word of mouth, social media, etc.

For example, unlike Harvard University, a small business owner who offers private tutoring for individuals may need to approach even his/her least favourite clients with sensitivity and tact. Can you imagine how parents/guardians might respond to a message that begins, “I regret to inform you that I am done tutoring your badly-behaved child until you teach him some discipline”? Even if the message goes on to explain very clearly why the tutor feels this way, it’s unlikely that the parents/guardians will respond positively to that reasoning (assuming they read beyond that first line). Instead of solving the problem of an unruly student, the tutor may have unintentionally created more problems—some of which might go beyond the loss of a client:

• He/he might be embroiled in angry conversations with the parents/guardians (particularly if they have paid for tutoring sessions in advance);
• He/she might become the target of hostile messages and reviews;
• He/she may experience a loss of reputation with the parents/guardians of other students;
• He/she may lose income if people hear about the dispute and choose to go elsewhere for tutoring, etc.

Clearly, understanding not only how to use the indirect pattern but also when to use it is vital if you want to communicate confidently, professionally, and successfully in all situations.

When to Use the Indirect Pattern

The indirect pattern is the most effective way to transmit information to an audience that is

• Unwilling or uninterested;
• Displeased or disappointed;
• Hostile or offended;
• In need of persuasion.

By delaying the delivery of the bad or sensitive news and providing a positive opening that is immediately followed by reasoning and explanations, you give your reader a chance to connect with you positively, understand your position, and begin to anticipate the bad news. In an ideal bad news scenario, the reader will anticipate and accept the bad news before you even deliver it.

Using the Indirect Pattern

When using the indirect pattern, important work needs to be done before you start writing your message. Take a few moments to analyze the situation and the needs/likely response of your reader:

• Identify your strongest and safest points
  • What common ground can you find with your reader?
  • What points can you and your reader likely agree on?
• Identify the most inflammatory or unwelcome points
• Identify likely questions, objections, and concerns that the reader will have
• Organize your ideas into the four-part indirect pattern for bad news:
  • Intro & Buffer
  • Explanation
  • Bad news
  • Closing

Part 1: Intro & Buffer

A “buffer” is a person or thing standing between other people/things to prevent conflict. In your indirect letter, your buffer is a neutral or pleasant statement that creates a common ground or connection with your reader. However, the buffer must also be relevant: don’t begin your letter by saying something inane like “I hope you are having a good day” or “Happy Monday!” (particularly since your message will likely ruin their day). Instead, you might begin with the best news, a compliment, a statement of appreciation, or a point of agreement or mutual understanding. When used effectively, a buffer

• Lessens or delays the negative impact;
• Makes a neutral, yet relevant and sincere statement;
• Optional: Compliments the reader for something (without exaggerating and without using cliches);
• Does not reveal the bad news, nor does it mislead;
• Provides a meaningful transition to the explanation;

Part 2: The Explanation

Once you have established a connection or common ground with your reader, you must take time to develop this section of your message as well. The explanation presents your reasoning before disclosing the bad news.

Again, you mustn’t rush this part of your message. Be sure to provide careful explanations, possible reader or third-party benefits, or policy information. Edit your explanation carefully and make sure it is accurate and credible. Use positive language whenever possible. Show sincerity and fairness without resorting to apologies (which may sound insincere) or emotionally charged words like “unfortunately,” “devastating,” “with regret,” etc.

When written effectively, the explanation will help you to

• Justify the decision;
• Improve the chances for reader acceptance of the bad news;
• Reduce negative feelings and mitigate potential conflict.
  • By the time your reader has read your explanation, they should anticipate the bad news so it isn’t a shock to them.

Part 3: Delivering the bad news

Once you’ve written your explanation, you still have to deliver the bad news. Ensure there is a clear statement of the details or decision: otherwise, your reader might misunderstand your message. Take care not to create false hope or delay the bad news until another occasion; eventually, you will have to deliver the bad news and your reader may interpret your earlier communications as deceptive.

Although you want your message to be clear, there are a number of cushioning techniques you can use to soften the blow of the bad news:

1. Splice the news with a reason, a reader benefit, or a demonstration of concern to move away from the bad news a bit:
   • E.g. We cannot refund your purchase price. We do understand your concern, but this practice allows us to offer great everyday savings to our consumers. [Note that this example creates some positivity but may have to be revised further to de-emphasize the bad news more. Examine the following recommendations carefully.]
2. Use a subordinate clause to diminish bad news
   • E.g. Although we cannot refund your purchase price, we are sending you two coupons for your next purchase. [Note that the bad news is in the subordinate clause. The main clause should contain better news, a reader benefit, or a demonstration of concern.]
3. Suggest a compromise or alternative
   • Although we cannot refund your purchase price, we can give you credit for the full purchase amount to be used at a location convenient to you.
4. Imply the bad news
   • Refunds are only granted within 14 days of purchase. We can, however, give you credit for the full purchase amount to be used at a location convenient to you. [The consumer should know by this point that his/her situation does not warrant a refund. Take care when using this approach: don’t leave room for misinterpretation.]

Be careful to express/ imply the bad news only one time. Don’t repeat it, express deep regret, allude to it again, etc. That would emphasize the bad news and upset the reader even more.

After you have tactfully cushioned the bad news, you might want to conclude this section of your message with additional information such as actions that the reader can take, alternative solutions to the problem, or possible opportunities for the future.

Part 4: The Closing

Once you have finished your explanation and delivered the bad news, one final step must be taken. Be sure to end your message with a thoughtful, forward-looking statement. The purpose of this section is to leave your reader feeling as good as possible in the circumstances. Don’t ruin all your hard work by dwelling on/going back to the bad news – move on!

You can move on and stay focused on the positive by

• Promoting goodwill and further relations;
• Looking forward to future business;
• Offering incentives to continued business;
• Providing follow-up information for alternatives or compromises;
• Showing appreciation and sincerity.

Don’t try to take the easy way out by saying, “Have a great day!” or something equally cheerful. As we saw in the beginning, this is both inappropriate and insincere since you likely ruined their day (or at least the next few hours).

Following these steps can minimize negative consequences and potentially create a positive opportunity. This kind of diplomacy and reader-focused writing will make you stand out from your peers and will enhance your reputation with employers and clients.