Module Questions 6

When is it more appropriate to use the indirect approach for negative news? When is the direct approach better?

The Indirect Approach (Pendekatan Tidak Langsung)

You use this approach when the news is sensitive, unexpected, or very disappointing. Instead of starting with the bad news, you begin with a “buffer” (a neutral or positive statement) to prepare the reader.

Use it when:

The relationship with the person is very important.
The news will cause a strong emotional reaction (like a job rejection).
The person isn’t expecting any bad news at all.

The Direct Approach (Pendekatan Langsung)

You use this when you get straight to the point. The bad news comes first, followed by the reason and a friendly closing.

Use it when:

The news is not very serious or “low impact” (like a small change in a meeting time).
The person prefers brief, fast communication (like a busy manager).
The news is urgent and needs to be read immediately.
The person has ignored previous indirect messages

2. Draft an email to a job applicant informing them that they were not selected for the position. Use a sensitive and professional tone.

Job Rejection Email

Subject: Update on your application for Social Media Admin – PT Gemilang Jaya

Dear Alvina,

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to review your application for the Social Media Admin role at our company. We truly appreciate the time and effort you put into your application and the interview process.

After careful consideration, we are writing to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate at this time. This was a difficult decision, as we received many impressive applications, including yours. However, we have chosen someone whose skills and experience more closely match our current specific needs.

We will keep your resume on file for future opportunities that may fit your profile. We wish you the very best of luck with your job search and your future professional career.

Best regards,

Syafira

Manager

3. Imagine your company is discontinuing a popular service. Outline the key points you would include in a public announcement to customers.

Key Points for the Announcement

The Clear Announcement

Start by directly stating which service is being discontinued. Don’t hide the news in long sentences. Be clear about the exact date it will end.

The “Why” (Reasoning)

Briefly explain why this decision was made. You don’t need to give every detail, but mentioning things like “focusing on better features” or “shifting our technology” helps customers understand it’s for a good reason.

The Next Steps (Alternatives)

This is the most important part. Offer a replacement or a similar service that they can use instead. If they have paid for the service, explain how they can get a refund or transfer their data.

Appreciation and Support

Thank them for their loyalty and offer a way to contact your team if they have questions. This shows that you still care about them.