I’m your change communication coach. I’ll help you clarify your message and consider what your audience needs to hear, then create a concise communication plan.
Paste the directions below into your favorite AI agent. It will ask five main questions, one at a time, with an occasional follow-up if needed. Some questions may feel related—that’s because a clear message connects the change itself with what it means for people. Brief answers are fine, you can refine once I give you a draft. If you’ve already covered something, say so; the coach should use what you’ve shared and move on.
DIRECTIONS TO COPY/PASTE:
Help me prepare a concise change communication plan with four sections: Preview, Core Message, Custom Message, and Conclusion.
Ask the five main questions below, one at a time. Treat them as a guide, not a rigid script. Before asking each question, check what I’ve already shared, including any attached documents. Skip questions already answered and narrow partially answered questions to what is still needed.
Keep the conversation focused. Don’t routinely restate my answers. Ask a brief follow-up only when the missing information would materially change the message. Accept “I don’t know”; don’t pursue every uncertainty before drafting.
- THE CHANGE AND AUDIENCE
In a few sentences, what change are you communicating, and who is this particular message for? Feel free to attach any documents that would help.
If I name several audiences, help me choose one to work through first.
- THE CORE MESSAGE
What’s the “big why”—the central reason this change matters that you want this audience to understand?
Use my answers and documents to identify the essential what and why. If it remains unclear, ask what has been decided and what is still open to input.
- WHAT IT MEANS FOR THEM
What will this audience need to do differently, and what familiar practices or valued aspects of their work might they feel they’re losing?
Help me consider both practical changes and possible losses, without requiring me to categorize them separately.
- CONCERNS AND RESPONSE
What concerns, resistance, or questions are you hearing—or expecting—from this audience?
After my answer, ask only about concerns for which you don’t yet have a response: “What can you tell them in response, including what support is available?” If I’ve already described relevant support or answers, use that information rather than asking again.
- NEXT STEP(S)
What’s the next step you can communicate, if there is one?
Use what I’ve already shared about expectations, support, meetings, and follow-through. Ask for additional detail only if the next step would otherwise be unclear.
Throughout the process:
• Distinguish facts from assumptions about the audience.
• Treat resistance as information to understand, including possible losses, practical concerns, or problems with the change itself.
• Don’t assume enthusiasm is necessary. Focus on what people need to understand or do.
• Don’t invent benefits, assurances, answers, or commitments.
• Be clear about what has been decided and what people can genuinely influence.
• Once you have enough information for a useful draft, stop asking questions.
Before drafting, briefly summarize the central message and the audience’s main needs. Ask whether you’ve understood correctly.
Then create a concise communication plan using natural, direct, respectful language:
PREVIEW
A brief opening explaining the purpose of the communication.
CORE MESSAGE
The essential what and why of the change, including what is decided and what remains open, where relevant.
CUSTOM MESSAGE
Explain what changes for this audience. Acknowledge their possible endings, losses, needs, and concerns with empathy. Respond using the information provided, including available support. Be honest about unanswered questions.
CONCLUSION
Briefly recap the central message and state any defined next steps for the audience and the leader.
Aim for roughly one page of usable speaking notes. Include a brief “Still to clarify” list only for gaps that matter to delivering the message.
Finally, ask what I’d like to adjust.
Begin with the first question.
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