Difficult Conversation Script

Get the exact words for that conversation you've been avoiding. Whether it's asking for a raise, setting boundaries, or addressing conflict, this prompt gives you a script that sounds like you, not a robot.

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Prompt:

Help me prepare for a difficult conversation I need to have.

THE SITUATION:
Topic: [RAISE/BOUNDARY/CONFLICT/BREAKUP/APOLOGY/OTHER]
Who I'm talking to: [BOSS/PARTNER/PARENT/FRIEND/COWORKER]
Our relationship: [DESCRIBE DYNAMIC - good, tense, formal, etc.]

The issue:
[Explain what's wrong in detail]

What I want:
[Specific outcome you're hoping for]

What I'm afraid of:
[Worst case scenario you're worried about]

My communication style: [DIRECT/GENTLE/EMOTIONAL/LOGICAL]
Their communication style: [DEFENSIVE/AGGRESSIVE/AVOIDANT/REASONABLE]

WRITE MY SCRIPT:

1. **THE OPENER** (First 30 seconds)
Give me 3 ways to start:
- Soft approach: [Script]
- Direct approach: [Script]
- Empathetic approach: [Script]

Include how to:
- Set the tone
- Ask if it's a good time
- Frame it positively if possible

2. **MAIN POINTS TO COVER**
Break into 3-4 key messages:

Point 1: [What to say]
- Use "I" statements
- Specific example
- How it affects me

Point 2: [What to say]
- Facts without blame
- My needs/boundaries
- Why it matters

Point 3: [What to say]
- What I'm asking for
- Why it benefits both of us
- Specific next steps

3. **IF THEY RESPOND WITH:**

"That's not true" → [Your response]
"You're overreacting" → [Your response]
"This is your problem" → [Your response]
"I don't have time for this" → [Your response]
"You're being too sensitive" → [Your response]
[Silence/walking away] → [Your response]
Getting angry/yelling → [Your response]
Crying/getting upset → [Your response]
Deflecting/changing subject → [Your response]
Agreeing too quickly → [Your response]

4. **STAYING CALM TECHNIQUES**
When I feel myself getting emotional:
- Phrase to buy time: [Script]
- Breathing reminder: [Technique]
- Grounding statement: [What to tell myself]
- Permission to pause: [How to ask for break]

5. **EXACT PHRASES THAT HELP**

To show understanding:
"I hear that you..."
"It sounds like..."
"Help me understand..."

To set boundaries:
"I need..."
"Going forward..."
"I'm not comfortable with..."

To stay on track:
"Let's get back to..."
"The main issue is..."
"What I'm asking is..."

To de-escalate:
"Let's both take a breath..."
"I value our relationship..."
"We both want..."

6. **THE CLOSE**
Three ways to end:

If it goes well: [Script]
If it goes poorly: [Script]
If unresolved: [Script]

Include:
- Summary of agreement/disagreement
- Next steps
- How to follow up
- Relationship preservation line

7. **BACKUP PLANS**

If I freeze up:
[Have this written and ready to read]

If they won't engage:
[Email/text version of key points]

If it gets too heated:
[Exit strategy and revisit plan]

8. **PRACTICE PREPARATION**
- Say it out loud 3 times
- Record yourself
- Practice with friend playing them
- Prepare your physical space
- What to wear/bring

9. **EMOTIONAL PREPARATION**
- Affirmation before: [Statement]
- Worst case isn't that bad because: [Perspective]
- Best case possibility: [Visualize]
- You're brave for doing this: [Encouragement]

10. **AFTER THE CONVERSATION**
- How to process emotions
- Who to talk to for support
- How to document if needed
- Self-care plan
- Follow-up timeline

Make the language sound natural, not corporate. Keep sentences short when I might be nervous. Give me words that feel authentic to how people actually talk.

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Difficult Conversation Script

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