Editorial contribution · Personal
Write a difficult message clearly and respectfully
Need to say no, make a request or raise something uncomfortable? Get three short messages and choose the tone that feels right.
Published: · Version 1
A prompt to try
Help me write a respectful message. Situation: [SITUATION] Recipient and our relationship: [RELATIONSHIP] My specific request or boundary: [REQUEST] What I want to avoid: [AVOID] Write three short versions: gentle, clear and very direct. Use “I” statements, describe observable behavior and do not assume the other person’s motives. Do not invent facts. For each version, explain in one sentence how it might come across. Do not use diagnoses or manipulative tactics.
Copy the text into your AI, fill in the placeholders and check the answer.
Why try this?
Different tones help you state your boundary without inventing commitments.
What you need
- The situation, your relationship and your specific request or boundary.
How to start
- Replace the placeholders.
- Choose a tone that fits.
- Check the facts and send the message yourself.
What an answer could look like
Illustrative example · not a tested AI response
Illustrative example, not tested with a model: I need the documents by Thursday. Could you let me know whether that works?
RobinPrompt.BETA 0.1.9