How to Break Bad News Professionally & Empathetically

Introduction

Giving someone bad news is difficult and uncomfortable. We worry about the other person’s feelings and reactions. So, we struggle to work out what to say.

This webinar will give you the tools to break bad news professionally and empathetically.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

Planning

• Objective - what result do you want to achieve
• Audience - what is their perspective and what do they need from you
• Message - what is your core message

Structure

• Beginning with the big picture
• Delivering the news - context, details and explanation
• Apologising for mistakes (if necessary)
• Explaining the implications
• Providing options
• Outlining next steps

Tone

• Using empathy rather than sympathy
• Acknowledging the impact on your audience
• Maintaining professional boundaries

This webinar was recorded on 6th May 2021