Draft Reply

---
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:
1. Opening acknowledgment
2. Point-by-point responses (numbered or bulleted)
3. Summary of any actions
4. Clear next step
5. 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:
1. Draft as written
2. Adjust tone to [more formal / more casual]
3. Make it shorter
4. Add/remove something specific"