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Write a talk track for telling your team a project is cancelled

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Write a talk track you will read aloud to your team, in plain text, under 150 words, with three labeled parts on their own lines: Say first:, Why:, What happens next:. Use only the confirmed facts. Do not mention layoffs or any rumor, and do not promise anyone a specific new role. Use short spoken sentences with no jargon.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Repeating the rumor. The AI reassures people with the Billing guess. Try: Say: "Use only confirmed facts; no rumors and no promises of roles."
  • No dates. The AI says "soon". Try: Say: "Include work stopping Jun 6, 1:1s Jun 10-12 and assignments by Jun 20."
  • Wrong structure. The AI writes one long speech. Try: Say: "Three labeled parts: Say first:, Why:, What happens next:."
  • Corporate tone. The AI uses jargon like realigning priorities. Try: Say: "Short spoken sentences, no jargon."
  • Markdown. The AI bolds the labels. Try: Say: "Plain text."
  • 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

  • Gives the three labels
  • Restricts to confirmed facts
  • Bans rumors and promises
  • Spoken style
  • Plain text

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