Breaking news refers to events that occur and require immediate reporting, as opposed to the regular flow of scheduled news. Because of the urgency and immediacy, breaking news often interrupts normal broadcasting and is updated regularly as more information becomes available.
Delivering difficult news is a critical communication skill that people need to master in a variety of settings, whether it’s a manager delivering bad news to an employee or an NP breaking bad news to a patient. These types of conversations can be a defining moment for the recipient, and studies show that the way you deliver the news has a significant impact on the outcome.
It’s important to think of the big picture when you’re delivering tough news, and this starts with a clear understanding of the situation and the person’s perspective. It’s also important to consider the severity of the news and the relationship you have with the recipient; for example, more serious or traumatic news might warrant a face-to-face conversation while something less serious may be fine over email.
Having the right tools is crucial to successfully navigating the delivery of difficult news. These include preparing ahead of time, empathizing with the recipient, and using language that matches your audience’s individual psychology. These tips can help you minimize messenger blowback and deliver the news effectively and respectfully. This will ultimately lead to the desired outcome of the message, whether it be to have an employee leave a company smoothly or for an injured person to seek medical attention.