Comment by CoughlinJ

Speaking as someone who's had his "tone" addressed in emails, and the survivor of many a blunt conversation with my boss, the best way to get a point across is to just state the facts. Don't be pompous, don't feign ignorance, or try to blame others, just spit it out, and have whatever you need to tell them written or typed out on a piece of paper. The last thing is to be respectful. Even if you don't respect them, they ARE in a position above you, and that DOES mean something, not only to them, but to others as well. Keep it civil, state the facts, and never apologize (unless you're the one who messed up. If that is the case, do so sincerely and politely).