Write the Hard Email
For emails you've been avoiding: declining, delivering bad news or asking for something awkward, kindly and clearly.
I need to write an email I've been putting off.
Recipient: {{who they are and our relationship}}
What I need to say: {{the hard message}}
What I want to happen next: {{desired outcome}}
What I'm worried about: {{the fear, e.g. sounding cold, damaging the relationship}}
Write three versions:
1. Direct: the message in the first two sentences, warm but brief.
2. Gentle: a little more context first, same clarity by the end.
3. Very short: five sentences maximum.
For every version:
- Never apologise more than once.
- No vague phrases like "moving forward" or "touch base".
- End with one clear, specific next step.
Then tell me which version you'd send and why, in one sentence.3 fill-in fields: Who they are and our relationship, The hard message, Desired outcome