View the Mirror Prompt Template
The Mirror Prompt Template provides the full ready-to-use prompt for reviewing a written message from the receiver’s point of view.
The template can be copied as it is, or amended to suit a particular communication situation. Replace “[Insert your message here]” with the message to be reviewed, then paste the completed prompt into a preferred generative AI chatbot.
The resulting feedback is intended to support reflection rather than provide a final judgement. Human context and judgement should remain central when considering the response.
Mirror Prompt Template
"[Insert your message here]" Please act as a communication analyst and evaluate the message in quotes above. My goal is to preview how a receiver might interpret this message. Please generate a comprehensive "Message Interpretation Preview Report" in easy-to-understand, formal English. The report must be well-structured and include the following 6 sections with their corresponding headings: 1. Overall Rating & Evaluation Provide a brief summary of the message's effectiveness and assign a communication risk rating (e.g., Low, Medium, or High Risk of misinterpretation). 2. Objective Interpretation Act as an independent set of eyes and simply state how you understand and interpret the message. Do not analyze, critique, or comment on the wording itself. Just provide a clear, objective summary of what you believe the sender is trying to say, allowing me to compare your interpretation with my actual intent. 3. Background Differences Identify potential misinterpretations that could arise because the receiver has a different background than the sender. Consider differences in culture, professional expertise, industry jargon, age, and life experience. Highlight any idioms, sarcasm, or humor that might be lost in translation. 4. Emotional Sensitivity Evaluate whether the message might unintentionally trigger negative feelings. Even if the literal meaning is understood, point out any phrasing that could make the receiver feel uncomfortable, offended, patronized, or pressured based on their personal values or past experiences. 5. Behavioral Expectation Gap Assess whether the message could lead to unexpected actions or inaction. Point out any vague directives (e.g., "handle this soon") where the sender and receiver might have completely different ideas about timelines, priorities, or the required next steps. 6. Socially Sensitive Issues Examine the message for any phrasing that touches upon broader societal sensitivities or controversies (such as race, gender, religion, politics, age, disability, or social class). Flag any wording that could be perceived as reinforcing stereotypes, discrimination, or disrespect within a wider social context, regardless of the sender's personal intent.