Introduction

In the business world today, communication plays a vital role. Businessman has to communicate both good as well as bad news to the people concerned. Bad things happen in all types of business. For some businesses bad news may be poor services, customers dissatisfaction, poor product performance and for some businesses it may be rejection of job applications, demotions for employees, reduction of bonus etc. Such bad news should be effectively communicated as such news can cause anger and frustration among receivers.

For reducing the bad feelings associated with negative news:

i) Receiver should know the reason for rejection.

ii) News must be sensitively revealed to the receiver.

iii) Receiver must believe that decision taken in just and fair.

In order to avoid exposing yourself to legal liability in writing messages, always remain alert to the three causes of legal difficulties:

a) Abusive Language: 

• Defamation:  It means usage of words (such as deadbeat, quack, or crook) that can harm someone's reputation.

• Legal action for abusive language can be taken when it meets the following three conditions:

1. When it is false.
2. When it harms the good name of the other person.
3. When it is published i.e. spoken or written in the presence of the another party

b) Careless language: 

It is the second legal problem in delivering bad news messages. If a person does not write the message he intend to deliver in an effective manner then the message can be misunderstood. One should be capable of communicating his message in the way he intended to, in order to avoid misinterpretations by others.

c) Good- Guy Syndrome: 

Sometimes in order to have good relations in future people make legally dangerous statements just to make themselves as well as receiver feel better.

Reference: Business Communication: Process and Product by Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loeury