Planning: Choosing the Direct or Indirect Approach

[LO-5] Indicate whether the direct or indirect approach would be best in each of the following situations and briefl y explain why. Would any of these messages be inappropriate for email? Explain.

a. A message to the owner of an automobile dealership, complaining about poor service work

b. A message from a recent college graduate, requesting a letter of recommendation from a former instructor

c. A message turning down a job applicant

d. A message announcing that because of high airconditioning costs, the plant temperature will be held at 78°F during the summer

e. A message from an advertising agency to a troublesome long-term client, explaining that the agency will no longer be able to work on the client’s account.