Hedging is an act of English communication to show caution in message delivery, be it in speaking or writing.
Hedging is used for two purposes:
- To provide readers insights into the writer’s attitude in a courteous and sincere manner, especially in more negatives messages.
- To present more accurate data like probability and numbers rather than overgeneralizing the writer’s thoughts.
Compare the following two messages:
A: There was a theft last night because someone forgot to lock the office.
B: It appears that we had a theft last night due to a possible security breach.
Which message has a more cautious tone? Why is that?
In more negative messages, hedging can be achieved by removing the performer of the action, namely the reader.
No: I do not understand why you made such discriminatory remarks.
Yes: Discriminatory remarks are not tolerated in this organization.
(Driscoll, 2010)
Consider the following two rejection emails:
A: Thank you for offering me the position as General Manager at Simon’s Inc. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept the position. I did not think that the position you offered me would utilize my communication and customer-service skills to the degree that I wanted. Therefore, I have accepted a position as Assistant Director at a different company
B: Thank you for offering me the position as General Manager at Simon’s Inc. I appreciate your prompt and generous offer. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept the position. I have accepted a different position that will allow me to utilize my communication and customer-service skills.
(Driscoll, 2010)
Which email has a more sincere tone? How did the writer achieve it?