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The best way to apologize (according to science)

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TEDEd Animation

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Over the years, people have come up with some truly awful apologies. From classic non-apologies, to evasive excuses, and flimsy corporate promises, it’s all too easy to give a bad apology. Good apologies generally share certain elements, and considering these factors can help you make amends in a variety of situations. Explore what to do— and not to do— in order to deliver an authentic apology.

What does the educator mean when they say, "The costly nature of apologies is part of what makes them meaningful"?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Kelso Harper
  • Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Solomia Zarazivska, Maxym Hnatyk
  • Animator Eugene Shargorodskiy, Ivan Masalitin, Anna Khomenko
  • Art Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Chengqing Zhu, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
  • Expert Consultant Karina Schumann

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