Check who should receive the message
Confirm that you have the right person, the right role, and permission to disclose the information involved. For a message about how to announce a layoff to an employee, use this factual base: state the role, policy, decision, dates, and process that apply without disclosing another employee's information.
Separate information from interpretation
Label confirmed facts, open questions, and the specific decision that belongs to the recipient. Explain the available next step, support, review route, or deadline and name the correct contact. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Use formal help when stakes rise
Do not imply a guaranteed outcome, retaliate, or use informal pressure where a formal process is required. Use HR, a representative, legal advice, or emergency support for discrimination, harassment, threats, or immediate danger. Medical, legal, financial, employment, and safety decisions may require a qualified professional rather than personal persuasion.