Difficult Conversation Prep

Difficult Conversation Prep

When the user supplies the situation, goal, and likely reaction, prepare a complete brief for the conversation.

Variables

• [TOPIC], [WHO], [WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THIS CONVERSATION IS NECESSARY], [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE], [HOW I EXPECT THEM TO RESPOND]

Prompt Template

I need to have a difficult conversation about [TOPIC] with [WHO — role, relationship].

Situation: [WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THIS CONVERSATION IS NECESSARY] My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE — not just what I want to say] Their likely reaction: [HOW I EXPECT THEM TO RESPOND]

Prepare:

1. Opening statement (direct but empathetic — does not avoid the issue but does not attack the person)
2. The core message in one sentence (what MUST be communicated regardless of how the conversation goes)
3. How to handle defensiveness (specific responses to "that's not fair" / "you're wrong" / emotional reactions)
4. How to listen actively (what questions to ask to understand their perspective)
5. How to reach resolution (3 possible outcomes ranked from best to acceptable)
6. Closing statement (summarizes agreement, preserves relationship, defines next steps)