Write a word-for-word script for a difficult conversation
A word-for-word conversation script with opening lines, key questions, and phrases to avoid so you stay direct without being harsh.
The prompt
Write a script for a difficult conversation so I can be direct without being harsh.
Who I'm talking to and our relationship: [e.g. "peer in another team", "my manager", "a long-time client"]
The issue, in facts: [WHAT HAPPENED, with examples]
The one message they must hear: [KEY MESSAGE]
What I want to happen afterward: [OUTCOME]
How they're likely to feel or react: [e.g. defensive, surprised, upset]
Setting: [in person / video call / phone]
Give me:
1. Opening (first 30 seconds) - 2 alternative opening lines that name the topic plainly, without a long warm-up or a fake compliment.
2. The structure, with suggested words for each part: the facts, the impact, my key message, their perspective, agreeing next steps, and the close.
3. What to say - 5-6 key sentences I should get out, in my own plain voice.
4. What to ask - 4-5 open questions to understand their side and reach agreement.
5. What to avoid saying - a table: Phrase to avoid | Why it backfires | Say this instead. Include blame, sarcasm, "always/never", "no offense, but", and over-apologizing.
6. If it goes sideways - short lines for when they get angry, cry, go silent, or change the subject.
Rules: keep sentences short and spoken, not written. Be firm on the issue and respectful to the person. Don't invent facts I haven't given; use [ADD EXAMPLE] where one is needed.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Email & Workplace Communication prompts
What to fill in
- WHAT HAPPENED, with examples
- KEY MESSAGE
- OUTCOME
- e.g. defensive, surprised, upset
- in person / video call / phone
- ADD EXAMPLE
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the Few-Shot structure (Few-shot prompting). A few-shot prompt includes one or more worked examples of the input and the output you want, so the model can copy the pattern instead of guessing it.
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