Bad news, refusals and complaints.
WHY AI HELPS HERE
Difficult messages are hard because of emotion, not because of language.
A draft to react to is easier than a blank page.
HOW TO BRIEF IT
"I need to tell a client their project will be two weeks late because a supplier failed. I want to be honest, take responsibility, and offer something. Keep it short."
WHAT MAKES A DIFFICULT MESSAGE WORK
Say the thing early. Do not bury it. Take responsibility without excessive apology Explain briefly, without a paragraph of justification Say what you will do Offer something where appropriate
WHAT AI GETS WRONG BY DEFAULT
Too much apology, which invites further complaint Too much explanation, which reads as excuse-making Vagueness about what happens next
Instruct against these explicitly.
ASKING FOR VARIANTS
"Give me three versions: one that is direct, one that is warmer, one that is more formal."
Choose, then edit.
WHAT TO ALWAYS DO
Read it once more before sending, when you are not annoyed.
