1 When was the last time you wrote a letter (if at all) and under what circumstances did you write it? Did it serve its purpose; that is, was it successful in achieving what you set out to say or accomplish? Why or why not? If youve never written any kind of letter before then explain why you think you havent? What kind of communication medium do you routinely use?

1.2 Then, think of a time when you have had to give or receive negative news. Discuss at least ONE of the following critical thinking questions and provide personal examples:

• If you had to reveal bad news to your parents or to your partner (such as denting the fender of that persons car), what strategies and/or considerations would you try to keep in mind? Why?
• What are some techniques you could use to soften the blow of bad news? Provide specific examples.
• Do you prefer to use the direct or indirect approach for delivering bad news? Why?
• When an organization has to reveal disappointing news to customers, employees, or others, what goals should it try to achieve?
• Children are no longer learning to write by hand in schools and, as a result, don't have a signature. Some people argue that a signature, which serves as a personal brand, is something that is unique and difficult to replicateunlike an Internet password. Do you think that handwritten signatures will be a casualty of our digital ageand does this matter?