The indirect strategy for conveying bad news helps to soften the emotional impact on the listener by providing context and rationale first. Key practices include being clear, showing empathy, and maintaining professionalism. This method is especially useful when the bad news is upsetting, may provoke hostility, or when it arrives unexpectedly. ;
The indirect strategy is most effective when delivering personally upsetting news, news that could provoke hostility, or when the message is unexpected. It helps to cushion the emotional impact and fosters better understanding between the communicator and the recipient. The best answer from the options provided is A: the message arrives unexpectedly.
;