A lifeguard’s whistle is loud and short for a reason. Say hard things clearly and briefly.

Clarity is a kindness when something is urgent. A long hedged sentence makes the listener work out what you mean, and in a moment that matters they do not have time for that work. Short and loud is not rude; it is built so nothing gets lost. Softening hard news often protects the speaker more than the person hearing it.

Next time you have something awkward to say, write it as one sentence first. Lead with the thing itself instead of the wind-up. Then stay for the conversation that follows.