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Write a firm letter asking a contractor to finish the job

  • For Small business owners
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

Your bathroom remodel contractor stopped showing up with work unfinished. Write a short letter under 120 words in plain text. The first sentence asks them to finish the 2 unfinished items by Friday, November 21. Include the contract date and the amount you've paid. Stay polite, with no threats of lawsuits, reviews or withholding payment. End with "Thank you, Martin Osei". Write a prompt that gets you exactly that.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Burying the ask. The AI opens with background, so the request and date land at the end. Try: Say: "First sentence: ask them to finish the grout and glass door by Friday, November 21."
  • Missing the facts. The AI writes a general complaint without the contract date or the amount paid. Try: Add: "Include the 9/8 contract date and that I've paid $11,000 ($5,000 + $6,000)."
  • Picking up threats. The AI follows your partner's idea and adds legal or review threats. Try: Add: "Polite and firm, no threats. End with: Thank you, Martin Osei".
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 120 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "4 short sentences under 20 words each, then the sign-off."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Puts the ask first
  • Names the deadline
  • Includes the facts
  • Rules out threats
  • Sets a word limit

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