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Email a VP about a churn definition change

  • For Business analysts
  • You practice Saying who it's for
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

The churn metric's definition changed and last month's number looks better only because of that. Write an email to VP of Customer Success Lena Ostrow, plain text, under 110 words. Start with a Subject: line, put the restated like-for-like number in the first sentence of the body, show both old and new definitions' numbers, and end with one question for her. Don't apologize or thank her.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Leading with 1.6 points. The AI repeats the dashboard's apparent improvement of 1.6 points. Try: Add: "First sentence: like-for-like it improved 0.4 points, 4.2% to 3.8%."
  • Skipping the definitions. The AI says 'methodology changed' without saying what changed. Try: Add: "Say it now counts cancellations only; downgrades are tracked separately."
  • Ending with pleasantries. The AI closes with thanks, an apology and an open invitation. Try: Add: "End with one question about restating earlier months. No apology or thanks."
  • Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the reader
  • Leads with the real number
  • Gives both definitions
  • Asks for a Subject line
  • Ends with one question

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