Communication & Hard Conversation Prompts

Ready-made prompts that help you think before writing a difficult message, set the tone and clarify what to say.

Ready-made prompt templates

• Prepare for a hard conversation: Help me prepare for a hard conversation. Situation: [situation]. The other person: [person]. What should I say, what should I avoid saying, and how do I stay calm?
  Sample case: Situation: A teammate keeps interrupting me in meetings. Other person: a colleague at the same level.
  What to say:
  • “I notice I can't finish my ideas in meetings. It matters to me; could you let me finish?”
  • Give a concrete example: “Last Tuesday while I was explaining the budget…”
  • Offer a solution: “Let me finish first, then you add.”
  
  What to avoid:
  • Generalisations like “You always interrupt me.”
  • Phrases that accuse intent.
  
  To stay calm: take 2-3 deep breaths before talking, phrase sentences with “I”, and be ready to listen to the reply.
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Rewrite an angry email: Rewrite the angry email I wrote. Keep the core of my message, remove the heat and use clear, respectful language. Email: [email]
  Sample case: Email: “The report hasn't come again. You promised yesterday and again you didn't deliver. This can't go on, I have no patience left.”
  Hello,
  
  The report we discussed yesterday hasn't reached me yet. Could you send it by 5:00 pm today? If something is causing the delay I would like to know, and we can find a solution together.
  
  Thank you.
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Interpret feedback: Interpret the feedback I received. Pull out both the stated and the implied meaning and suggest a constructive reply. Feedback: [text]
  Sample case: Feedback: “The presentation wasn't bad but you could have been a bit more prepared.”
  Explicit meaning: The presentation was acceptable; there is room to improve preparation.
  Possible implied meaning: It fell a little short of expectations; there may be a specific gap (for example flow, data or rehearsal) that was not named.
  
  Constructive reply: “Thank you for the feedback. I would like to know which parts you think I should have prepared better; could I show you the draft before the next presentation and get your view?”
  
  Note: remember implications are not certain; asking a question to clarify is safest.
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Raise or promotion talk: Prepare me for a raise or promotion conversation. My role: [role]. My recent contributions: [contributions]. Write a strong opening line and answers to likely objections.
  Sample case: Role: Project manager. Contributions: delivered two projects on time, managed a team change smoothly, customer satisfaction score rose.
  Opening: “Recently I delivered two projects on time, managed the team change smoothly and raised customer satisfaction. I would like to discuss how these contributions are reflected in my role's scope.”
  
  Possible objections and replies:
  • “Our budget is limited.” → “I understand. Can we talk about timing or a phased arrangement?”
  • “It's still early.” → “Which criteria would I need to meet for us to review it? Let's clarify them together.”
  • “Everyone works the same.” → “I would like to share concrete results and measures.”
  
  Note: add your own real figures; do not use invented data.
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Say no politely: Write a message that says no politely but clearly. Request: [request]. Tone: [formal/friendly]. Keep the relationship intact and offer an alternative if it fits.
  Sample case: Request: A friend asked me to help with their move on the weekend. Tone: friendly.
  “I would love to, but I have another commitment this weekend so I can't make it. I know moving is stressful. I could come for an hour or two on a weekday evening to help pack boxes; would that help?”
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Sincere apology: Write a sincere apology. What happened: [event]. The other person: [person]. Take responsibility without excuses and say what I will do to make it right.
  Sample case: Event: I was late to the meeting and missed an important presentation. Person: team lead.
  Hello [Name],
  
  I am sorry for being late to today's meeting and missing the presentation. It was an important moment for the team and I should have been there on time.
  
  I will go through the part I missed from the slides and notes and ask you about any gaps within today. From now on I will set an early reminder in my calendar for meetings like this.
  
  Thank you for your understanding.
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.
• Formal and friendly versions: Write this message in two versions, one formal and one friendly. Message: [message]. The content should stay the same in both.
  Sample case: Message: We need to move the meeting to tomorrow because I am not ready.
  Formal: “Dear [Name], as I could not complete my preparations I kindly ask for the meeting to be postponed to tomorrow. I would be glad if you could let me know a suitable time. Thank you for your understanding.”
  
  Friendly: “Hi! My preparation didn't come together, could we move the meeting to tomorrow? Tell me what time suits you and I will adjust. Thanks!”
  This sample output was produced with Claude; your result may differ.