What is it: A negative letter is a routine document created to share disappointing news.

Purpose: The purpose of the negative letter is to inform the reader of bad news. You also need the reader to read, understand, and accept the news. The final goal is to maintain as much goodwill as possible.

Goals: You also have secondary goals:

• To build a good image of the writer (you) in the mind of the reader.
• To build a good image of your organization despite the bad news.
• To reduce or eliminate future correspondence on the same subject so the message doesn't create more work for you as a writer.

Assignment Instructions

Tasks: Write a negative letter that addresses the following scenario/prompt:

• Prompt: In the additional resources of this lesson (Lesson 5 Lesson Lecture), you were asked to reflect on a recent bad experience you had with a product, service, or location, and consider the complaint that you would make. For this assignment, you will respond to your own complaint, as an official from the organization/company/location from whom you experienced negative service. This means you will draft and sign the negative business letter as the individual noted from your own research as the person who handles such complaints.
• Your reader needs to know they have been taken seriously, that your decision is fair and reasonable, and that if they were in your shoes that they would make the same decision.

Format: Business letters must be formatted in a specific manner. This information is contained in the chapter on business letters you read for this module. If you don't remember this information, consult the textbook.

Length: 200-300 words (one page, single-spaced)