name: draft-reply
description: Draft an email response with tone matching the relationship context. Shows draft for approval before sending. Use when user says "draft a reply", "respond to this email", "write a response to [person]", or shares an email and asks for help replying. See also: follow-up-draft for post-meeting thank-yous with meeting context.
effort-level: medium
Draft Reply
Draft a response to an email or message.
Usage
/draft-reply
Then provide:
- The email/message to respond to
- Any specific direction for the response
Context Gathering
From the Message
- Who is it from? (Check
people/ for context)
- What are they asking or saying?
- What's the underlying need?
- Any urgency indicators?
From Relationship
- Communication style preferences
- Relationship history
- Current context with this person
From User
- "What's your goal with this response?"
- "Any constraints?" (Timeline, tone, etc.)
- "Anything to avoid?"
Output Format
## Reply Draft
**To:** [Name] <[email]>
**Re:** [Subject]
---
[The drafted response]
---
**Notes:**
- Tone: [Professional / Warm / Direct / etc.]
- Key points addressed: [List]
- [Any considerations about timing or approach]
---
Adjustments needed? Ready to send?
Response Types
Information Request
- Provide what's asked clearly
- Offer additional helpful context
- Easy to scan
Decision Needed
- Clear options if applicable
- Your recommendation
- Easy to respond yes/no
Scheduling
- Propose specific times
- Flexible alternatives
- Clear next step
Difficult Message
- Acknowledge their perspective
- Address concerns directly
- Professional and measured
Decline/No
- Respectful but clear
- Brief explanation if appropriate
- Leave door open if warranted
Thank You/Acknowledgment
- Genuine appreciation
- Specific about what you valued
- Forward-looking if appropriate
Tone Matching
Consider:
- Their tone in the original message
- Your relationship history
- Cultural context
- The topic sensitivity
Options:
- Formal: "I appreciate your inquiry..."
- Professional: "Thanks for reaching out..."
- Casual: "Hey! Great question..."
- Warm: "So good to hear from you..."
Length Calibration
Match the energy:
- Short message → Short response
- Detailed message → Address all points
- Simple question → Simple answer
- Complex topic → Thorough but organized
General rule: Shorter is usually better.
Structure for Long Responses
If multiple points to address:
- Opening acknowledgment
- Point-by-point responses (numbered or bulleted)
- Summary of any actions
- Clear next step
- Warm close
Safety Note
I'll show you the draft first. I will NOT send anything without your explicit approval.
Quick Options
"Want me to:
- Draft as written
- Adjust tone to [more formal / more casual]
- Make it shorter
- Add/remove something specific"
