Using passive voice and complex sentences are effective ways to de-emphasize bad news.

Using passive voice and complex sentences are effective ways to de-emphasize bad news.

Answer: True

"We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you" is a recommended way to close a refusal letter.

"We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you" is a recommended way to close a refusal letter.

Answer: False

Usually, a statement of bad news should be followed by a logical explanation.

Usually, a statement of bad news should be followed by a logical explanation.

Answer: False

The best reason to give the receiver for a refusal is "company policy" because it requires no further explanation.

The best reason to give the receiver for a refusal is "company policy" because it requires no further explanation.

Answer: False

"I have received and read your letter of April 12" is an effective neutral way to begin the first paragraph of a bad-news message.

"I have received and read your letter of April 12" is an effective neutral way to begin the first paragraph of a bad-news message.

Answer: False

In some circumstances, placing a refusal in the first sentence is justified.

In some circumstances, placing a refusal in the first sentence is justified.

Answer: True

Since the main message of a negative-news message is the bad news, more space should be devoted to the refusal than to the explanations for the refusal.

Since the main message of a negative-news message is the bad news, more space should be devoted to the refusal than to the explanations for the refusal.

Answer: False