We all screw up sometimes, so knowing how to deliver a sincere, effective apology is a life skill definitely worth honing. An Ohio State University study looked at how to apologize by breaking an apology down into components and seeing which parts were most important. # Expression of regret – “I’m sorry.”
# Explanation of what went wrong – “Here’s what happened.”
# Acknowledgment of responsibility – “It was my fault.”
# Declaration of repentance – “I feel terrible about it.”
# Offer of repair – “Let me fix what I messed up.”
# Request for forgiveness – “I hope that you can forgive me.”
Clearly, things like eye contact and appropriate expression of sincerity are important when you give a face-to-face apology.