# Difficult Conversation Prep

> Use when the user wants to prepare for a hard conversation with empathetic-but-direct opening, defensiveness handling, and resolution paths. Triggers include "difficult conversation", "hard talk", "tough conversation prep".

- Skill: `codejunkie99/difficult-conversation-prep` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add codejunkie99/difficult-conversation-prep`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/codejunkie99/difficult-conversation-prep/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: codejunkie99 (https://skillmd.com/u/codejunkie99)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/codejunkie99/difficult-conversation-prep

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# 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)