The Mechanics of Apology | SorryWatch

Play nicely, or apologize

by sumac | Jul 9, 2013 | Media Apologies, The Mechanics of Apology

Because I had important tasks waiting, I was searching the web randomly like a dog with its nose to the ground. I came across a story about Air New Zealand doing a safety video with hobbits. Whatever. The story was in the Herald-Standard, based in Uniontown,...

How to apologize: a short checklist

by sumac | Jun 11, 2013 | Apology Essentials, The Mechanics of Apology

(This is basic. To keep it brief, I’m omitting countless variations and dodges. And the part about maybe making it up to them.) APOLOGIZE – Say “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.” Take responsibility. Talk about what you did, not just “what happened.” Avoid...

An enemy’s insincere apology

by sumac | May 3, 2013 | Sports Apologies, The Mechanics of Apology

Suppose an enemy apologizes. Not because they’re sorry, but because you’ve threatened legal action, and they’re pretty sure they’d lose. They still hate you. You still hate them. What good is an apology then? In a letter posted on their...

Apology research roundup!

by snarly | Apr 12, 2013 | Apology Essentials, The Mechanics of Apology

Thank you, everyone who emailed, Facebooked and Tweeted us the NPR story on the psychological benefits of NOT apologizing. As is so often the case, the study in question is far more nuanced than the grabby headline (“Why Not Apologizing Makes You Feel...

Oh, this pendant I’m wearing? Yeah, no, that’s a good question.

by sumac | Mar 25, 2013 | The Mechanics of Apology, True Crime Apologies, Youth apologizes

A kid who was convicted of grand theft for taking jewelry is under court order to apologize – even though he says he’s not sorry, because he didn’t do it. It has been ruled that his apology need not be an admission of guilt, so he has to go ahead and...