The 73% Rule: Softening Bad News
Grammar: Hedging language and diplomatic modal structures
A Business English English lesson exploring business.
What's in this lesson
A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising hedging language and diplomatic modal structures. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: The 73% Rule: Softening Bad News
A 2019 study of 1,200 workplace emails at a London consultancy found that messages containing direct refusals — words like no, can't, or impossible — were 73% more likely to trigger a defensive reply within 24 hours. Messages using hedged language produced almost no defensive replies at all. The difference was not the bad news itself. It was six or seven words of grammar.
Vocabulary
- I wonder if
- it might be worth
- to clarify
- with that said
- bear in mind
- perhaps we could
Grammar
- Modal softener
- It might be worth revisiting the budget. — hedges a refusal gently
- Distancing question
- I wonder if there's a version that fits. — invites without demanding
Discussion questions
- Is it ever dishonest to soften bad news with careful wording?
- Should managers always say no directly, whatever the cost?
- Do you think hedging language wastes time at work?
The 73% Rule: Softening Bad News
Grammar: Hedging language and diplomatic modal structures
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
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