The Elements of an Apologia Sources: “So-o-o-o-o- Sorry: The Art of the Apology, Susan Hebble. www.uuquincy.org http://www.perfectapology.com/how-to-say-im-sorry.html
A Proper Apologia Should Always Include: a detailed account of the situation acknowledgement of the hurt or damage done recognition of your role in the event a defense of your actions
A Detailed Account of the Situation: By giving a detailed account of the offense, you are making sure that both you and the other person are talking about the same thing. It also legitimizes the feelings of the recipient by having the person who caused the offense recount the situation. Be specific as possible and your apology should be focused on the particular event(s). Example: if you missed a important date (event), don’t apologize for your general absentmindedness but instead for missing that specific date.
Acknowledgement of the hurt or damage done: By acknowledging the hurt or damage done, you’re are validating their feelings and the recipient begins to sense that you understand the situation. This is important to rebuilding your relationship because it legitimizes their reaction, even if others in the same situation may have reacted differently.
Recognition of Your Role in the Event: Acknowledge that your role in the event was significant. Do not try to deny that you played a part in the hurtful actions of the event. Own up to your responsibility in the issue.
A Defense of Your Actions Explain the necessity or logic behind your actions. Include evidence that proves you acted in a way that was right for the situation even though someone may find fault in your actions.
Using the Rhetorical Triangle Purpose: The reason you must defend your actions. Speaker: The persona you wish to portray through the defense. Audience: The person most affected by your actions. Subject: The detailed account of the event. Warrant: The underlying assumptions in your argument. Context: The background surrounding the event. Intention: The expected result of the defense.
Write a plan for your Speech. Include: Organization: Where will you establish credibility? Appeals: Where will you place your appeals? Evidence: What is your evidence and where will you place it? Rhetorical Devices: Where can you place rhetoric that sounds natural?