Whether it’s a health scare, political scandal or natural disaster, breaking news can shake people to the core. It can also be a challenge for journalists, who need to know how to deliver tough stories without upsetting their audience. Whether you’re an investigative reporter or a local anchor, learning how to break difficult news may help you keep your audiences and readers loyal even in challenging times.
How to Break News
The most important thing to remember when you have to break news is that you should be direct. Vague information can cause anxiety and misunderstandings. It’s also a good idea to give a person enough time to process the news, and to ask questions about it. You should be empathetic but clear when giving bad news, and offer options for moving forward.
Breaking bad news can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do. Unfortunately, it’s a necessity that every healthcare provider faces at some point. In fact, communication problems are the most common complaint patients have about their doctors.
Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your breaking news skills. It’s also important to remember that it’s not always your fault when you have to break bad news. Taking a more objective approach to communicating will make you more likely to work with the recipient of your news, instead of at odds with them.
About the Author
