Using a Buffer That's Irrelevant to the Subject Can Cause the Reader to Mistake Bad News for Good
08/08/2003

Notice how the buffer of this letter, found in the first part of the first sentence, is not at all connected with the bad news.  Thus the reader is quite shocked when he actually gets to the bad news.  Remember that while a buffer is a neutral introduction to the bad news, it shouldn't be so off base as to divert the reader's attention entirely from the matter at hand.  Instead, your buffer should serve to gently prepare the reader for the bad news.

Lakeside Apartments
9948 West End Drive
New Orleans, LA  70023

September 1, 2000

Jeff James
9948 West End Drive, Apt. 322
New Orleans, LA  70023

Dear Mr. James:

You are an exemplary tenant here at Lakeside Apartments, and we are starting to project to improve our pool facilities for our tenants.  Due to this, your monthly rent will increase by $14 a month, from $425 to $439.  This increase will go into effect at the beginning of your new lease.

This money will be used to install a Jumbo Steamer hot tub next to the pool, as well as provide much needed landscaping around this area.

I'm sure you're looking forward to these improvements as much as I am.

Sincerely,
 

Sean Penn