Writing for New York Magazine, Katie Heaney shines a light on how to apologize for something in response to Bill Maher’s non-apology apology:

Dr. Beth Polin, an assistant professor of management at Eastern Kentucky University and co-author of The Art of the Apology, defines an apology as a statement which includes one or more of six components:

• An expression of regret — this, usually, is the actual ‘I’m sorry.’
• An explanation (but, importantly, not a justification).
• An acknowledgment of responsibility.
• A declaration of repentance.
• An offer of repair.
• A request for forgiveness.

via Kottke