Michael Duggan

Remember how you felt when you were laid off from your job. There’s literally nothing you can say that can make a person feel good about their situation. However, you can say what they feel is true and that you are doing the best you can to make them feel good about themselves. It’s never easy. Leave with an uplifting smile. The world is full of people who can make your life better. You just need to find them.

Correct, empathy is paramount in a layoff presentation. I'll make sure my body language reflects understanding of the difficult moment for the employees. Nodding in acknowledgment, maintaining a compassionate facial expression, and using open hand gestures will all signal that I genuinely care about their well-being. This empathetic approach can help soften the blow and convey that the decision was made with careful consideration. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of empathy in this situation

Absolutely, maintaining a calm and steady tone is crucial. I'll speak deliberately, reflecting the seriousness of the situation while also conveying my genuine concern for everyone affected. I'll be mindful not to rush my words, as speaking too quickly can signal nervousness or insensitivity. Pauses can indeed be powerful, allowing both myself and the audience to process information and reflect on the difficult news being delivered. Thank you for highlighting the significance of tone in conveying empathy and understanding.

Certainly, I'll keep my hand movements controlled to underscore important points without overdoing it. Slow, purposeful gestures will complement my verbal communication and reinforce the seriousness of the situation without causing additional stress. Thank you for highlighting the importance of balanced non-verbal communication.

You're absolutely right. Eye contact is crucial for engaging with our audience and showing sincerity. I'll make sure to maintain direct eye contact with everyone, conveying understanding and compassion through a soft gaze. It's important to strike the right balance to show that I'm present and emotionally connected to the impact of my words. Thank you for emphasizing this point.

Agreed, start by opening up our body language, face each other directly. I want to establish a tone of transparency and empathy, so please feel free to express any concerns or questions you may have. By maintaining an upright posture and avoiding defensive gestures like crossing our arms or legs, we can create a more open and trusting environment for this conversation.