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Write three escalating late-payment reminders for a client

  • For Freelancers and creators
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

You're a freelance designer with an unpaid invoice. Write a prompt for three short plain-text messages to the client, Ben, labeled "Day 1:", "Day 15:" and "Day 30:", each under 28 words and each signed "Thanks, Priya" on its own line. They are increasingly firm but always polite. The Day 30 message states the late fee with the math. Don't threaten legal action or collections in any of them. Under 100 words in total. No bullets or numbering.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Same tone every time. The AI repeats one message three times with the dates changed. Try: Say: "Day 1 light, Day 15 firmer, Day 30 firm."
  • Fee mentioned too early. The AI brings up the late fee in the first message. Try: Add: "Day 1 has no fee mention."
  • Fee with no math. The AI says 'a late fee applies' without a figure. Try: Ask for "1.5% x $1,800 = $27" in the Day 30 message.
  • Threatening language. The AI warns of collections or legal steps at Day 30. Try: Add: "Always polite. No threats of legal action or collections."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Labels the three messages
  • Escalates the tone
  • Includes the fee math
  • Bans threats
  • Caps length

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