Say what you mean—clearly and respectfully.
Build a message that describes what happened without blame, explains what matters to you, and communicates one clear request, question, boundary, refusal, position, or expectation.
Choose your practice
Prepare
Describe it in one or two sentences, or choose a fictional situation below.
Spot and improve
Example: “You clearly do not respect my time.”
Model: “Our last three meetings began more than 20 minutes after the agreed time, and I did not receive a message beforehand.”
This is better because it describes observable facts without claiming to know the other person’s motive.
This is better because it describes observable facts without claiming to know the other person’s motive.
Build your message
Describe only what someone could have seen or heard. Avoid assigning motives.
State your reaction, concern, preference, need, or value.
Give one clear request, question, boundary, refusal, position, or expectation.
Your message
Complete the three prompts to build your message.
Check your message
Plan your response and delivery
Rehearse your message once
Say it aloud, say it silently, use text-to-speech, or practice in another way that works for you.
Rehearse once more
Choose the next safe action
Brief reflection
Your communication plan is ready.
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