Scenario

You are an assistant to Katie York and must help her refuse an invitation to speak at California State University, Sacramento. The business club at Sac State pooled together their resources and decided to invite Katie York to give a talk on campus about the importance of business communications. Ms. York, a sought-after motivational speaker, and media personality own York Consultants- one of the top business consultant companies in the United States. Ms. York's company provides training and seminars for business owners and emerging entrepreneurs who are looking to become more successful. She has appeared on top TV programs such as the Today Show and Good Morning America, in addition to contributing to business publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times; because of this, she receives many invitations to speak as an authority on business success strategies.

Ms. York enjoys speaking at colleges and inspiring students, mostly at no charge or for a nominal fee, but this semester she is busy traveling and writing her newest book on business communications. Ms. York may be able to deliver a presentation at another time, or she can send Mark Jones, her seminar director, and senior trainer.

Your Task In Ms. York's name, refuse the invitation but suggest an alternative.

Content:

Follow the indirect strategy and include the four parts: buffer, reasons, bad news, and closing. Decide what type of buffer is most appropriate to use and the best way to deliver the bad news (you want to deliver the bad news sensitively). Use positive language and "sandwich" the bad news as best you can between reasons and providing alternatives. The closing paragraph should use precise, detailed, and specific language