---
name: difficult-conversation-preparation-guide
description: "Prepare for and script a challenging personal or professional conversation. Use when the user wants help with Difficult Conversation Preparation Guide. Related topics: communication, business, difficult."
---

# Difficult Conversation Preparation Guide

Prepare for and script a challenging personal or professional conversation.

## How to use this skill

1. Ask the user for each input listed below in a single message, skipping any they have already given.
2. Where options are listed, offer them, but accept other answers too.
3. Fill the answers into the prompt template, then follow the completed prompt to produce the result.

## Inputs

- **Relationship to the Other Person** (choose one: Manager, Direct report, Colleague, Client, Friend, Family member, Partner, Neighbour)
- **Topic of the Difficult Conversation** (choose one: Performance issue, Salary negotiation, Conflict resolution, Ending a relationship, Delivering bad news, Asking for help, Setting a boundary, Addressing dishonesty, Other)
- **Your Goal in this Conversation** (longer free text)
- **Your Biggest Fear about this Conversation** (longer free text)
- **Input 5** (choose any: Clarify my intention and desired outcome, Opening statement script, Key points to cover, How to respond if they get defensive, How to respond if they cry or get angry, What to do if conversation stalls, My non-negotiables vs. areas of flexibility, Closing the conversation professionally)
- **Approach** (choose one: Direct and assertive, Empathetic and collaborative, Formal and structured, Firm but kind)

## Prompt template

## Introduction
Prepare thoroughly for a difficult conversation so you can approach it with clarity and confidence.

## Conversation Context
- Relationship to the Other Person: {{Relationship to the Other Person}}
- Topic of the Difficult Conversation: {{Topic of the Difficult Conversation}}
- Your Goal in this Conversation: {{Your Goal in this Conversation}}
- Your Biggest Fear about this Conversation: {{Your Biggest Fear about this Conversation}}

## Preparation Output
{{Input 5}}

## Communication Style
- Approach: {{Approach}}

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Source: [Difficult Conversation Preparation Guide on PromptBuild](https://promptbuild.io/prompt/MA4zqHoc3W2hbG4ggdgA/difficult-conversation-preparation-guide)