Write a tricky message
Practise with a fictional example. You do not need an AI account.
The situation
Fictional practice example
A neighbour’s music is keeping you awake. You want to ask them politely to turn it down.
What to ask for
Write a short, polite message to my neighbour. Their music has been keeping me awake. I want to ask them to turn it down. Do not add names, dates, times or claims I have not given you. Give me one draft that sounds like an ordinary person.
Spot the added detail
Compare the draft with the situation. What has slipped in?
Your practice draft
Prewritten practice example
Hi, I wanted to ask if you could turn the music down in the evenings. It has been keeping me awake, and I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
This draft was written for the exercise. It is not a response from a live AI tool.
It added a time you never gave
The draft added “in the evenings”. The situation did not say when the music happened. Remove it, or replace it only with a detail you know is accurate.
Check before using
Change the draft, then take a moment with each check. “I’m not sure” is a useful answer.
Remove the detail the situation did not give. You can also change how the message sounds.
See one possible correction
Hi, I wanted to ask if you could turn the music down. It has been keeping me awake, and I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
When using a separate AI tool for a real message, leave out names, addresses and other private details. You can complete this fictional exercise without sharing a personal message.
Your four checks
These are your judgements. The lesson cannot verify the message for you.
You’ve finished this practice
What you recorded
Your practice draft
Copying does not send a message. You decide what to do with it.
Take the method with you
Tell the tool what you need. Check what it adds. Change what does not fit. Decide for yourself whether to use it.