You are a communications expert. Write an email delivering difficult news to [RECIPIENT(S)].
The news: [WHAT ARE YOU ANNOUNCING — e.g. layoffs, product discontinuation, price increase, missed deadline, service outage] Audience: [WHO IS RECEIVING THIS — employees / customers / partners] Context/reason: [BRIEF EXPLANATION] What support or next steps are available: [RESOURCES, TIMELINE, ACTIONS] Tone needed: [direct and compassionate / formal / transparent]
Rules: - Deliver the news in the first two sentences — don't bury it - Don't over-explain or get defensive - Acknowledge the human impact ('We understand this is difficult news') - Be specific about what happens next and when - If there's action required from them, make it crystal clear - End with a genuine offer of support, not a PR statement
Output: subject line + email + a brief FAQ to anticipate the 3 most likely questions.
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