Deemphasizing V.S. Distorting

Negative messages are often difficult to compose because nobody likes to hear bad news.  Even worse, the bringer of the bad news isn’t always liked either. Using the indirect approach can ease the bad news for the receiver, and deemphasizing it is simply part of the process. 

 

In Business Communication Essentials: A Skills-Based Approach, Courtlan Bovée and John Thill establish three techniques to deliver negative messages, and the first step is to “make sure you don’t overemphasize the bad news” (198). The idea is to be “clear and kind,” not deceitful or misleading (Bovée and Thill 198).  Deemphasizing bad news is not the same as distorting graphs and charts to deemphasize unfavorable data, because distorting graphs and charts alters the information and changes it into something it isn't On the other hand, deemphasizing bad news does not alter or change the information, because it still delivers the truth, only in a less straightforward manner. Easing the bad news for the receiver by not overemphasizing it can help them cope with the current situation while still remaining truthful.

Distorting graphs and charts can cause the receiver to think of you as a non-credible person, and place you under a negative, dark light. Trust is a big concept not only in the business world, but anywhere in life. Most people and businesses will rely on trust in order to create a positive relationship. An issue of trust can become extremely problematic, therefore it is best not to distort graphs and charts simply because it is unfavorable to you. Instead, be truthful, and honest.

Works Cited

Bovée, Courtlan and Thill John. Communication Essentials: A Skills-Based Approach. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2014. Print.