How to Navigate Difficult Conversations in Writing
Some conversations just aren’t easy Breaking bad news to someone, finding a respectful way to disagree, asking a favor, or reviewing a situation that didn’t go well—these are all hard things to do, perhaps especially when so many conversations now occur in writing and not face-to-face. A few pointers given here if followed can make such writing concise, clear, and insightful. Tough conversations don't have to be so stressful. Opening the conversation Start by showing empathy while being direct about what’s going on. Without tiptoeing around the subject, make clear you’ve given thought to how it will land with the recipient, and that you want to avoid confusion or making things harder. For example: When giving bad news: I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but the repair process will be more extensive than we’d initially hoped. It can also help to make clear at the outset that you’re trying to advance the conversation toward some kind of resolution, as in the fol