No one wishes to be the bearer of bad news or to be on the receiving end. But as we know, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. At some point, we have to deliver bad news to individuals or groups. 

Bad news refers to any negative information or news that would cause hurt/pain to the receiver. It could be the termination of one's appointment, loss of a loved one(spouse, child, friend, relative etc), loss of valuable items or properties as a result of fire or natural disasters, the loss of a contract or failure to win the bid for a contract etc.

In today's world, there is no shortage of bad news. When we find ourselves in such unpleasant circumstances, that is being the bearer of bad news, we must do it right. Yes, there are principles guiding the delivery of bad news and we must educate ourselves on that.

The need to deliver bad news rightly.

The way bad news is delivered has a great impact on the way the receiver or hearer would react.  Research has shown that when people get scared, emotion centres in their brains are activated which sets off a series of signals between the brain and spinal cord. This would cause the blood vessels to dilate and slow down the heart rate of the individual. Simultaneous drop in blood pressure and heart rate would result in fainting. Now you would not want to have someone fainting on you while you deliver bad news.

In other cases, people have collapsed and died from receiving bad news, some others go straight to cardiac arrest and stroke afterwards. We can only imagine how that would compound existing problems. True not everyone would have adverse reactions, but it's a risk we shouldn't take.

How then should bad news be delivered?

The Dos of delivering bad news.

The following are ways bad news should be delivered and they are applicable both in official and unofficial settings;

1. Have your receiver or hearer sit down. We all know this right? They must sit because people hardly ever swoon while seated. So have them take a seat
2. Prepare beforehand what to say, put your words in order
3. Go straight to the point.
4. Offer your sympathies and regrets.
5. Offer closure. As much as possible explain the reason behind the sad event, and tell them what you know about the incident. In an official setting, let the employee know why he is being let go. Give reasons why the company lost a bid and look for ways to do better next time.
6. Deliver bad news in private except in cases where it affects a group.
7. Deliver bad news as soon as possible, do not wait too long.

Having known what to do when delivering bad news, what should you avoid doing?

   Don'ts of delivering bad news.

1. As much as possible, do not look panicked or worried.
2. Avoid delivering bad news over the phone unless it is unavoidable.
3. While giving bad news, do not make jokes, snide remarks or sly comments.
4. In official settings, be firm, but avoid sounding dismissive and unconcerned.
5. In an attempt to be neutral, do not deliver the news casually like it does not matter
6. Do not spread the news to people who are not directly involved or concerned before telling those who are directly involved.
7. When it involves the termination of one's appointment, do not negotiate. Allow employees to offer explanations, but do not begin to negotiate except if the explanations bring up new facts that need to be considered.
8. Give time for the receiver of bad news to process the message.
9. Do not sound cold, distant, or indifferent.

Read further on how to deliver bad news.

Much as we hate to be the bearer of bad news, it is unavoidable most times. The least we can do is present the news in a way that doesn't complicate issues further. As we deliver bad news, we should try as much as we can to take steps to ease the pain and suffering of those directly hit by the bad news.

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