This is not going to be good.

I've heard that presentation is the key to almost everything. I have, obviously, not taken the advice judging by the slapdash nature of these emails.

I feel like you could give just about anyone bad news as long as you give them worse news before it. There have been several studies that show that we're psychologically tuned to compare recent bits of information, so that if someone really wanted something from us, all they would have to do is present a radically bad option alongside the one they want us to take.

I used to take this advice with my parents during high school.

Bad news, Mom and Dad: I'm smoking crack.

Just kidding.

I'm drinking underage, though.

Phew! At least it's not crack.

I suggest you try it the next time you want anything from anyone. Present one scenario to them that is outrageously unacceptable and then counter your own offer with something far less egregious, but well within your demands.

You can assume that since this email is so bad, the one tomorrow will be just a little bit better, but you'll think it's incredible.

It's all about expectations and presentation.