Occasionally, we have to give negative information or “bad news”, but we can also do this in a relatively positive way.
For instance, sometimes by changing “until” to “as soon as”, which sounds less threatening. Using negative prefixes such as “un” or “im” removes the unpleasant word “not”.
Look for ways of doing this in your writing. Experiment!
Here are some examples:
1. We won’t be able to process your claim until you send us your medical report.
Suggested redraft: Please send us your medical report so we can process your claim.
2. The report will not be ready until January.
Suggested redraft: The report will be ready in January.
3. We cannot finish our report because you have not sent all the necessary information.
Suggested redraft: We will finish the report as soon as you send us the necessary information.
4. We cannot process claims that are not submitted within one year of the date of the initial payment.
Suggested redraft: For us to process them, all your claims must be submitted within one year of the initial payment.
5. The Director doesn’t want the meeting to take place without the key members being present.
Suggested redraft: The Director is unwilling for the meeting to take place without the key members being present.
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
For more writing tips, consult my website:
https://carolswritingtips.com/writingtips/
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