# Check my assumptions before a difficult conversation

Challenges the story you've built about the other person, separates facts from interpretations, and adjusts your approach.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Communication, Write, Plan, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/check-my-assumptions-before-a-difficult-conversation

## Prompt

```text
Before I have a difficult conversation, challenge the assumptions I'm bringing into it.

**The situation as I see it:** [DESCRIBE what happened and who's involved]
**What I believe about why they did it:** [MY STORY - be honest]
**How I feel about it:** [e.g. frustrated, hurt, disrespected]
**What I plan to say:** [MY APPROACH or draft opening - optional]

Help me:
1. **Separate facts from interpretations** - a two-column table: What I observed (could be recorded on video) | What I concluded from it.
2. **Alternative explanations** - 3-4 other plausible reasons for their behavior, including ones that are less flattering to me.
3. **Their side** - describe the situation from their point of view, as fairly as possible.
4. **My contribution** - what I may have done or not done that played a part (unclear expectations, missed signals, timing).
5. **What I don't know** - the questions I should ask before drawing conclusions.
6. **Revised approach** - how to open the conversation with curiosity instead of a verdict, plus a revised opening line.

Rules: be direct with me - point out where I'm mind-reading, generalizing, or assuming bad intent. Don't dismiss my concern either; if the facts support it, say so. If what I describe involves harassment, discrimination, or safety, tell me to report it through the proper channel instead of handling it alone.
```

## What to fill in

- DESCRIBE what happened and who's involved
- MY STORY - be honest
- e.g. frustrated, hurt, disrespected
- MY APPROACH or draft opening - optional

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.