Business Communication in the News
May 2001

Giving Bad News in Life and Death Situations
A report on sensitivity training (The Columbus Dispatch online, March 16, 2001) stressed the need for police officers, paramedics and other public authorities to take care when giving bad news. Often, these authorities must deliver the bad news about accident victims to members of their families.

Among other things, the group was told to

  • give the bad news in person where possible,
  • make sure they have the correct address,
  • make sure they use the victim's name (and not an anonymous "son" or other title), and
  • be patient and give time for the family to grieve.

Remember that you-attitude does not mean simply using the word "you." It means choosing the appropriate strategy to communicate with audiences to meet their wants and needs. Though many of us are unlikely to have to give news about life and death in daily business situations, remembering to be sensitive to the needs of your audience is always a good idea.

. For more information on you-attitude, review the information in Module Six.

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