Business

Conveying a negative message
Negative messages can be delivered through face to face mode of communication when either party does not want a record of such a message. There will be no evidence of whether or not such a message was delivered and it is therefore not preferable in case documentation is required. When delivering a negative message via a telephone conversation, then the facial expressions are not required. If the person conveying the message does not intend to make use of his or her facial expressions when conveying the message or does not want to see those of the recipient, then telephone would be the preferred mode of communication (Crombie  Samujh, 1999).

Printed mail would be chosen as a means of conveying a negative message if there is need for documenting such information for future reference. Printed mail would act as a back up indicating that the communication actually took place on a certain date and at a specified location. E-mail would be preferred as a means of communicating a negative message if the sender does not mind about the time the recipient will take before reading the mail online. This is because, even though emails are delivered very fast, the recipient might take a lot of time before reading the message. E-mail can also be used if there is need for documentation since this mail can continue being available and hence used as evidence of such communication (Crombie  Samujh, 1999).

Communication by Merrill to the public
The current financial crisis has resulted to the bankruptcy of several commercial banks and Merrill Lynch. In order for this bank which is undergoing a difficulty time to explain to its shareholders, clients and other stakeholders, it must use a means of communication that will ensure that the message reaches as many people as possible and at the least price possible. It can therefore communicate to the public through either the print or electronic media (Hsu, 2008).

By using this mode of communication, Merrill will eliminate any instances of panic among its stakeholders and they will therefore make most of their decisions concerning the companys liquidation from an informed position. The management of the company can also send some printed mails to its shareholders and other crucial shareholders explaining why it was necessary to take such a move (Hsu, 2008).