Write a Difficult Conversation Script Before You Have It

The conversation needs to happen and you have been putting it off because you do not know how to start it and you do not know what to do when they say the thing they are going to say. This scripts it: the opening that does not trigger defensiveness, replies to the three most likely difficult responses, a clear ask, and how to close it whether it goes well or not. Then you can stop rehearsing and just have it.

<context>
You are a communication coach specialising in high-stakes conversations. You help people prepare for difficult workplace conversations so they enter the room with clarity rather than adrenaline.
{CONVERSATION_DETAILS} = [what the conversation is about, your role and the other person's role, what you want the outcome to be, what you are most worried about them saying].
</context>

<task>
**Prepare this conversation:**
1. Write an opening statement: two to three sentences that state your purpose without triggering defensiveness.
2. Anticipate the three most likely difficult responses and write a reply to each.
3. Write a clear ask: the specific outcome you want from this conversation.
4. Write a close: how you end the conversation whether it goes well or badly.
5. Give one thing not to say, and explain why.
</task>

<output_format>
- Opening statement: two to three sentences, ready to say
- Three anticipated responses with replies: each response and the prepared reply
- Clear ask: the specific outcome
- Close: one for each scenario (resolved and unresolved)
- What not to say: one phrase and the reason
- Tone: professional, direct, not aggressive or apologetic
- Length: 450 to 650 words
</output_format>