See It In Action

Browse 14 real examples of message analysis across different contexts. Each shows the original message, identified risks, and a suggested rewrite.

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💼 Workplace Communication 📧 Sales & Outreach 🎯 Job Applications ⚡ Difficult Conversations 🤝 Customer Service

💼

Workplace Communication

Emails and messages with colleagues, managers, and direct reports

The 'Per My Last Email'

High Risk

Original Message

Per my last email, the deadline for the Q3 report was yesterday. I've attached it again in case you missed it. Please let me know if you need me to explain the requirements again.

What's Wrong

This message comes across as passive-aggressive and condescending, which could damage your working relationship.

Tone: 'Per my last email' is widely recognized as passive-aggressiveTone: 'In case you missed it' adds to the condescending tone +1 more

The Blame Shift

Medium Risk

Original Message

The project is behind schedule because the design team delivered their assets late. I did flag this risk in our last meeting. Moving forward, we need better accountability from all teams involved.

What's Wrong

While factually accurate, this message prioritizes blame over solutions and may create team friction.

Blame: Leading with blame puts others on the defensiveSelf-Protection: 'I did flag this' comes across as covering yourself +1 more

The Vague Request

Medium Risk

Original Message

Can you look into the customer issue we discussed? It's becoming urgent so please prioritize. Let me know if you have questions.

What's Wrong

This message lacks the specificity needed for action and may cause delays or mistakes.

Clarity: No specifics about which customer or which issueClarity: 'Becoming urgent' without a deadline is unhelpful +1 more

📧

Sales & Outreach

Cold outreach, follow-ups, and sales conversations

The Pushy Follow-Up

High Risk

Original Message

I noticed you haven't responded to my last 3 emails. I'm sure you're busy, but this opportunity won't last forever. Can we schedule 15 minutes this week? I promise it will be worth your time.

What's Wrong

This message uses pressure tactics that typically backfire and may get you marked as spam.

Pressure: Counting ignored emails creates guilt and awkwardnessManipulation: 'Won't last forever' is a high-pressure scarcity tactic +1 more

The Feature Dump

Medium Risk

Original Message

Our platform offers AI-powered analytics, real-time dashboards, custom reporting, API integrations, SSO, role-based permissions, automated alerts, and 24/7 support. We also have mobile apps for iOS and Android. Would you like to see a demo?

What's Wrong

Feature lists without context don't resonate. Buyers care about outcomes, not capabilities.

Relevance: No connection to the recipient's specific needsOverwhelm: Too many features creates cognitive overload +1 more

The 'Just Checking In'

Medium Risk

Original Message

Just wanted to check in and see if you had any thoughts on my previous email. Let me know if you'd like to chat!

What's Wrong

This adds zero value and gives no reason to respond. It's easily ignored.

Value: 'Just checking in' provides no new informationEffort: Requires them to find and re-read your previous email +1 more

🎯

Job Applications

Cover letters, follow-ups, and recruiter communication

The Desperate Follow-Up

Medium Risk

Original Message

I interviewed two weeks ago and haven't heard back. I'm very interested in this role and would be a great fit. I've attached my resume again and wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm. Please let me know either way as I have other opportunities I'm considering.

What's Wrong

While following up is good, this message signals desperation and uses subtle pressure tactics that may hurt your candidacy.

Desperation: Over-explaining enthusiasm can signal insecurityPressure: Mentioning 'other opportunities' as leverage often backfires +1 more

The Generic Opener

Medium Risk

Original Message

I am writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer position at your company. With 5 years of experience and a passion for technology, I believe I would be a great addition to your team.

What's Wrong

This opening could apply to any job at any company. It won't stand out in a pile of applications.

Specificity: 'Your company' shows no research was doneCliché: 'Passion for technology' is overused and vague +1 more

The Salary Ask

Medium Risk

Original Message

Thank you for the offer. I was hoping for a higher salary given my experience. Is there any flexibility on the compensation package?

What's Wrong

This negotiation is too passive. Without specifics, you're unlikely to get what you want.

Vagueness: 'Higher salary' doesn't give them a targetJustification: 'Given my experience' needs specifics +1 more

⚡

Difficult Conversations

Delivering bad news, addressing issues, and sensitive topics

Rejecting Someone's Idea

Medium Risk

Original Message

I don't think that's going to work. We tried something similar last year and it failed. Let's focus on proven approaches instead.

What's Wrong

This shuts down the conversation without understanding their thinking. It may discourage future contributions.

Dismissiveness: Immediate rejection discourages contributionContext: 'Something similar' might not be the same thing +1 more

Delivering Bad News

Medium Risk

Original Message

Unfortunately we won't be able to approve your vacation request for those dates. We need all hands on deck for the product launch. Sorry about that.

What's Wrong

While the decision may be necessary, this delivery lacks empathy and offers no path forward.

Empathy: 'Sorry about that' feels dismissiveAlternatives: No alternative dates or solutions offered +1 more

Addressing Poor Performance

High Risk

Original Message

I've noticed some issues with your recent work. The last few deliverables have had problems and clients have complained. We need to see improvement going forward.

What's Wrong

This feedback is too vague to be actionable and may feel like an attack rather than support.

Specificity: 'Some issues' and 'problems' are too vagueSupport: No offer of help or resources +1 more

🤝

Customer Service

Responding to complaints and customer inquiries

The Defensive Response

High Risk

Original Message

I understand you're frustrated, but our system worked as designed. The terms of service clearly state the refund policy. If you had read the documentation, you would have known what to expect.

What's Wrong

This response blames the customer and will likely escalate the situation.

Blame: 'If you had read' blames the customerEmpathy: 'Worked as designed' dismisses their experience +1 more

The Over-Apologizer

Low Risk

Original Message

I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. I'm really sorry this happened to you. We're very sorry and we apologize for any frustration. I'm sorry, let me look into this for you.

What's Wrong

While well-intentioned, excessive apologies can undermine confidence and delay resolution.

Confidence: Repeated apologies can seem insincere or weakAction: More apologizing than problem-solving +1 more

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