- dismal,
- drear,
- dreary,
- heartbreaking,
- heartrending,
- melancholy,
- mournful,
- pathetic,
report, announcement, story, account. item, news item, article, news flash, newscast, headlines, press release, communication, communiqué, bulletin. message, dispatch, statement, intelligence. disclosure, revelation, word, talk, notice, intimation, the latest, gossip, tittle-tattle, rumour, scandal, exposé
Common Expressions:
- I'm so sorry to hear that!
- What awful news! I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry to hear such terrible news.
- I'm very sorry – that must be awful/frustrating/scary/difficult.
- If there's anything I can do, just let me know.
- I really don't know what to say, I can't believe it. I'm very sorry.
adjective. not pleasant; displeasing; disagreeable; offensive: an unpleasant taste; an unpleasant situation; an unpleasant manner.
1 terrible, awful, appalling, frightful; hideous, grim, ghastly, shocking, revolting, repulsive, horrid, horrendous, horrifying, repellent.
Bad news is “any information that produces a negative alteration to a person's expectations about their present and future” (Fallowfield, Lancet, 2004).
Literally, someone who delivers bad news. The bearer often identifies as such as an introductory warning that they have bad news to deliver.
So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you're seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you're having such a hard time with this,” or “I'm sorry you're hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words.
It is tempting to say, "You will be fine," but you both know that you can't make that guarantee. Instead, a more helpful thing to say would be something like "I'll be here for you, no matter what the test results reveal."
Try authentic and empathetic statements, like “I'm not sure what to do to help, but I care about you,” or “I'm feeling upset too, but want to do my best to help,” Moyer suggested.
Share on Pinterest Whatever the
bad news you have received, there are strategies you can try to help you
cope with the situation.
How to deal with bad news
- Accept your negative emotion.
- Repeat exposure to the news.
- Reframe your thoughts.
- Learn to overcome adversity.
- Be kind to yourself.
DO: Say something
- I was so sorry to hear that Susan died.
- I can't imagine how you must be feeling.
- We love you and we want you to know we're thinking of you.
- I just wanted to say that if you need to talk, I'm here for you.
- I know how much you loved him.
- We're always here for you, if you need anything.
What should you include in a message to someone who got fired?
- Communicate that you are available to listen.
- Provide emotional support.
- Remind them that there are other possibilities.
- Avoid pressuring them to figure out their next step.
- Offer your assistance.
- Continue to be there for them.
7 Ways to Console Someone Going Through a Hard Time
- Be There for Them. We show up for the people we care about.
- Tell Them (and Show) That You Love Them. Those three little words, “I love you,” can make a bigger impact than you know.
- Let Them Know You're Thinking of Them.
- Take Time to Listen.
- A Hug Can Speak Volumes.
- Share Memories.
- Continue Offering Support.
Here is some advice on how to respond:
- Cry. You better believe I've cried a lot after a phone call from a doctor or an email from a lab.
- Talk to someone.
- Don't let the test results define you.
- Get a second opinion.
- Write down an action plan.
- One step at a time.
- Ask for help.
- Look for a reason.
How to Tell Someone Something Difficult
- Start with what this person is doing right. In any relationship, even one that is forced, such as with a co-worker, we can identify one thing that is slightly redeeming about this person.
- State the issue by taking ownership of your point of view.
- Give them hope by offering a solution.
- Leave on a high note.
What to do instead: Give a quick sentence that acknowledges what you're about to say is difficult news to deliver. Start by saying, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this," or "There's not an easy way to tell you this."
Telling on someone is when you try to get a person in trouble on purpose, and the action you are telling on them about generally is not hurting anyone.
10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:
- It's not so easy..
- It's a bit tricky..
- It's not the easiest ___ in the world..
- It's quite tough at times..
- It's (quite / a bit) hard going..
- It's nigh on impossible..
- The course is quite demanding.
- The course can be gruelling at times.
Indeed, while a recent survey by Korn Ferry shows that 47 percent of executives still choose Friday to deliver bad news versus Monday through Thursday, it may no longer make a difference. In today's 24/7 hyperconnected world, experts say the “when” of things hardly matters—it's the “how” and “why” that counts.
Staying calm and remembering it's about how they're feeling will help, you might say something like:
- I can see you are sad/angry. I'm so sorry.
- I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I'm so sorry.
- Or simply say: I'm so sorry.
- In a really informal situation you could even say 'this sucks! I'm so sorry! '
Giving news
- I'm really pleased to tell you
- I've got a bit of good news to tell you..
- I've got some good / brilliant / great / wonderful / splendid news for you
- You know what!
- Great news for you
- I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you
- I'm sorry I've got a bit of bad news to tell you..
7 strategies for dealing with bad news.
- Deep breathing. Just after receiving bad news, it's very important to regain control over our emotions.
- Contextualization. Try to frame the bad news, to put it into its proper context.
- Negative visualization.
- Transformation.
- Self-control.
- Support.
- Physical well-being.
