Writing Homework Help

“Bad News” Letter

Basic Overview

You are tasked with writing a “bad news” email. A “bad news” letter/email contains a negative message (a message that is perceived as unpleasant, disappointing, or unfavorable by the receiver).

Requirements

• Respond to the scenario listed below

• Write a minimum of 2 paragraphs (containing 3-5 sentences each) and a maximum of 4 paragraphs.

• Though you will compose your letter in Microsoft Word, you should format it like an email.

o Include an appropriate salutation and valediction.

o Include a complete email signature using your real name, a fictitious title, company name, and contact info.

o Use an effective email subject line

• Utilize the guidelines for negative messages discussed in your text and course lectures.

o Use the indirect approach, including: an opening buffer, reasons for the decision/situation, presentation of the “bad news,” and a positive closing.

• Use correct grammar and punctuation

Scenario: Profit loss due to COVID-19 necessitates layoffs

You are a team manager at Thingamabob, Inc. The current global pandemic has slowed the economy and the company’s profits have taken an unprecedented hit. After two months of trying creative ways to cut costs and raise profits to stay afloat, the company is now forced to evaluate its personnel costs. Yesterday, you attended a Zoom meeting with the other managers at Thingamabob, Inc., and the company’s vice president stated that all teams would need to be reduced by 25%. Each team manager is responsible for choosing and informing the individuals on their team who will be laid off.

Your job is to write an email to one of your team members and inform them of your/the company’s decision—that they are one of the individuals who will be laid off at the end of next month.

Your assignment should be organized like an email, for example:

To: (just make up a name for the recipient).

CC:

BCC:

Subject:

Salutation:

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3 (if necessary)

Paragraph 4 (if necessary)

Closing statement

Valediction

Email Signature