Tone may come across differently in writing from what you intend. Which of these phrases best avoids a negative reaction? 1) Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions, so the meeting has been cancelled. 2) Apparently, you aren't aware that the meeting has been cancelled. 3) None of them. They're all negative. 4) Kindly understand that we are unable to hold today's meeting as scheduled. 5) Unless you can provide us with sufficient reason to do otherwise, we're cancelling today's meeting 6) As I mentioned previously, the meeting has been cancelled.