Written Negative Business Message

Peer Review Form

Date: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$ Writer$$s Name: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$

Reader's Name: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$

Reading for a first impression: Is the writing style clear, concise, and persuasive? What did you find most professionally appropriate for giving bad news? What was least professional?

Comment: My first impression of the message was that it is well$-$formatted and quite lengthy.

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Reading to analyze: Read now to evaluate the message for content, format, and tone.

CONTENT: Does this message begin with an introduction that uses a buffer before giving the negative news? Does the letter avoid making excuses or hiding behind $$rules$.$ Does the message offer valid reasoning for the decision and perhaps offer an alternative solution?

Comment:

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What was the bad news? Find the negative message and write it in your comments. Is the negative message $($bad news$)$ stated clearly? Does the bad news message avoid overplaying an apologetic tone or insulting the reader with niceties?

Comment:

$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$Does the letter have a positive angle with sensitivity$?$ Does the writing take some of the sting out of the bad news and help the reader accept the news and move on$?$

Comment:

FORMAT: Does the letter have proper business letter format $($inside address, date, salutation, close?$)$ Are paragraphs single$-$spaced within and double$-$spaced between paragraphs? Is the right margin ragged? Does the document's appearance create a favorable impression?

Comment:

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TONE and STYLE: Does the letter use competent business writing style $($clear$,$ concise, correct$)?$ How is the sentence structure, grammar and mechanics? What is the overall impression of the professionalism of the report? What could make it better?

Comment: