There is the teaser and the revelation.
Together they are very powerful.
Both are used to great effect when the news is good.
As soon as the other hears the teaser that there’s good news their excitement goes into overdrive and they can’t wait to get to the revelation stage to find out what the news is.
The time between teaser and revelation is very enjoyable as it’s brimming with excitement.
Conversely, the teaser and revelation, when combined to deliver bad news, are used to devastating effect.
‘We have to talk‘ or ‘Ring me when you get a chance‘ are teaser messages that could send someone’s anxiety into overdrive.
Worst case scenarios flow into their mind like tsunami waves.
Are they breaking up with me?
Has someone died?
Are they dying?
Am I dying?
Logic flies out the window and panic takes over until we reach the revelation stage.
I think, the kindest thing, when handling bad news is to skip the teaser and go straight to the revelation stage sparing the other person hours or days of anxiety.
Thomas Duggan 