Prepare for a difficult conversation
Need to have a hard talk — with a partner, boss, family member, or neighbor? Practice it first with AI.
Copy this prompt
I need to have a difficult conversation with [who — my manager, partner, parent, etc.] about [the topic]. My main goal is [what you want to achieve]. I'm nervous about [what worries you]. Please help me prepare by: suggesting how to open the conversation, giving me 2-3 ways to phrase my main point, and listing what NOT to say. Keep it kind but direct.
When to use this
You need to have a conversation you've been dreading — asking for a raise, setting a boundary with family, addressing a conflict, giving difficult feedback. Your heart races just thinking about it.
Why this works
This prompt does three things: frames the situation, asks for specific help (opening, phrasing, pitfalls), and sets the tone (kind but direct). The "what NOT to say" part is especially useful — it prevents common communication traps.
Follow-up ideas
- "Role-play this conversation with me. You be [the other person]."
- "What if they react badly — how do I respond?"
- "Give me a simpler version — I'm really anxious about this."
Copy the prompt above and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or any AI tool. Tweak the words to fit your situation — most prompts include follow-up ideas below.