When using the direct approach in your negative news messages, you should open with a ________.

A) sincere apology
B) buffer statement
C) disclaimer limiting your responsibility
D) clear statement of the bad news

When using the direct approach in negative news messages, it is essential to start with a clear statement of the bad news. This helps in establishing a sense of trust and honesty in the message, and the recipient can understand the message's purpose from the beginning. A buffer statement or a sincere apology can be perceived as insincere or confusing in this case. A disclaimer is also not appropriate as it may come across as a way to shift the responsibility away from the sender.