Let AI solve the blank-page problem

AI is useful when you know the facts but do not want to spend ten minutes arranging them. Give it the purpose, required details, reader, and desired action. Do not ask it to decide what the relationship needs.

Keep relationship-critical messages human

Performance feedback, apologies, conflict, layoffs, health matters, and messages with legal or financial consequences require more than fluent wording. A model does not know the history, power dynamics, or likely emotional effect. Draft those yourself, or use AI only to check clarity after removing private details.

Remove the signs of a generic draft

Delete filler openings, repeated summaries, exaggerated politeness, and claims you would not normally make. Put the request or decision early. Replace abstract language with names, dates, and actions you have verified.

Practise on real work

Draft a routine project update

Use a low-stakes message and replace real names with roles.

Prompt to adapt

Draft a project update to [reader]. The decision is [decision]. The reader needs to [action] by [date]. Include these facts: [facts]. Keep it under 140 words. Use a calm, direct tone. Do not add reasons or promises I did not provide.

Judgment checks

  • Is the request visible in the first two sentences?
  • Are every date, name, and commitment correct?
  • Does it sound like something you would say?

Keep these points

  • Use AI for routine structure, not relationship judgment.
  • Put the reader’s required action early.
  • Read the final version aloud before sending.