You should always deliver bad news face to face when possible for the following reasons:
- face to face delivery is the most respectful way to deliver bad news
- face to face delivery provides a more personal and less evasive approach to delivering bad news
- you can have a face to face meeting as casual of formal as needed or wanted to make the situation more comfortable
- it allows you to see the immediate reaction to the bad news which allows you to address any problems immediately
- face to face delivery gives you immediate feedback
It is always better to use face to face delivery of bad news when possible than other methods for all parties involved.
source: Business Communication for Success 1.0 | Flat World Education