Write a difficult work email without the stress

What you'll need

• The facts of the situation (what happened, dates, numbers)
• What you want the reader to do after reading

Step 1: Vent first, privately

It sounds silly, but it works. Tell the AI what's really going on, in your own words. Getting it out helps you see the actual goal.

I need to write a tough email. Here's the situation, unfiltered: [explain]. Before drafting anything, ask me up to 3 questions about my goal, my relationship with the reader, and what I can and can't offer.

Step 2: Answer its questions and get two versions

Thanks. Now write two versions:
A) Warm and collaborative
B) Firm and direct
Each under 150 words, with a clear ask and a specific next step or date. No apologies unless I did something wrong.

Step 3: Make it yours

Pick the version closest to how you'd talk. Swap in your own phrases and check every fact, name and date.

Here's an email I wrote before so you can match my voice: [paste]. Rewrite the version I picked to sound like me.

Ordinary replies, the ones that are slow rather than tense, belong on Reply to work emails. Stay on this page when you are saying no, pushing back, or chasing something owed.

Director check: look before you use it

• Is every fact correct? AI will happily fill in plausible but wrong details.
• What will the reader feel? Ask the AI: "Read this as the recipient. What's your reaction, and what might you misread?"
• Is the ask crystal clear? The reader should know exactly what to do next.
• Would you say this face to face? If not, soften or cut it.