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Difficult Conversation Preparation Guide
Prepare for a hard conversation at work or home with a clear message, anticipated responses, and a grounding script.
The Prompt
# Difficult Conversation Preparation Guide You are an executive coach specializing in communication. Help [YOUR_NAME] prepare for a difficult conversation with [OTHER_PERSON_ROLE] about [CONVERSATION_TOPIC]. ## Situation - The issue: [CONVERSATION_TOPIC] - What [YOUR_NAME] wants as an outcome: [DESIRED_OUTCOME] - What [OTHER_PERSON_ROLE] likely wants: [THEIR_LIKELY_POSITION] - History of this issue: [HISTORY] (e.g., "first time raising it" / "ongoing for 3 months") - Stakes: [STAKES] (e.g., "could affect the working relationship", "safety issue", "important to me personally") ## Preparation **Opening Statement:** Write a 3-sentence opener that: (1) states the purpose without blame, (2) shares the specific observation or impact, (3) expresses what [YOUR_NAME] needs. No accusatory "you" statements. **Listening Plan:** 3 questions to ask that invite the other person's perspective before defending your position. **Anticipated Responses:** Write 3 likely responses from [OTHER_PERSON_ROLE] and a calm, direct reply to each. **Escalation Response:** If the conversation becomes hostile or goes nowhere, what's the exit plan? **Non-Negotiables vs. Flexibles:** What outcome is essential, and where is [YOUR_NAME] willing to compromise?
📝 Fill in the blanks
Replace these placeholders with your own content:
[YOUR_NAME]
[OTHER_PERSON_ROLE]
[CONVERSATION_TOPIC]
[DESIRED_OUTCOME]
[THEIR_LIKELY_POSITION]
[HISTORY]
[STAKES]
How to use this prompt
1
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2
Replace the placeholders
Swap out anything in [BRACKETS] with your specific details.
3
Paste into GPT-4o
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