Assignment:
Bad news can be de-emphasized by implying a refusal instead of stating it directly. Compare these refusals:
Example Direct refusal: We cannot send you a price list, nor can we sell our lawn mowers directly to customers. We sell only through dealers, and your dealer is HomeCo.
Example Implied refusal: Our lawn mowers are sold only through dealers, and your dealer is HomeCo.
Revise the following refusals so that the bad news is implied. If possible, use passive-voice verbs and subordinate clauses to further de-emphasize the bad news.
1. We cannot ship our fresh fruit baskets c.o.d. Your order was not accompanied by payment, so we are not shipping it. We have it ready, though, and will rush it to its destination as soon as you call us with your credit card number.
2. Unfortunately, we find it impossible to contribute to the fund-raising campaign this year. At present all the funds of my organization are needed to lease new equipment and offices for our latest branch in Richmond. We hope to be able to support this endeavor in the future.
3. Your team cannot schedule a retreat for the week of May 15. Too many staffers will be working on the Osgood Project, which will not be completed until June 1.
Your answer must be, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format and also include references.