What feels risky about saying this clearly?
Before you draft anything, name what may be making the message blurry.
Name the cost clearly. It helps you remember why this conversation matters.
What actually happened?
Start with what someone else could observe too.
Clarity check: Could they reasonably say, “That didn’t happen?” If yes, add more observable detail.
Why does it matter?
Name the consequence without turning it into a character judgment.
A clear observation without impact can sound like preference. Impact shows why it matters.
What needs to happen next?
Make the standard visible.
Clarity check: Could both of you tell next week whether this happened? If not, tighten the expectation.
Add support without losing clarity
You can add a brief line of context or a question. Just do not let it bury the point.
Your draft
Use this as a starting point. Edit for your real voice.
Start filling out the builder. Your draft will appear here.
Tess notes — not part of the final message
Clear, direct, and short enough to send.
No Tess notes yet.
Slack / Email
Refined version