Free quick start · Routine reply
Draft a useful reply without inventing promises
theCommons Academy helps you use AI for everyday work and check what it produces. This is free practice — no sign-in required. You'll need access to an AI chat tool you're allowed to use.
Use these text instructions in your approved AI chat tool. Features and results vary. No special integration required for this text exercise.
- You bring
- One incoming message and the facts you're allowed to share.
- You get
- A reply draft, plus a list of anything it would promise that needs approval.
1. The practice material (fictional)
Incoming message: "Hi, I signed up for Saturday's workshop but can't make it. Can I get a refund or move to next month? Also, will there be a recording?" Approved facts: Seats can move to a later date once, at no charge. Refund requests go to Lee for review. Saturday's workshop is not recorded.
2. The instructions
Draft a reply to the message using only the approved facts. Keep it short, warm and plain. Do not promise refunds, dates, discounts or exceptions that are not in the approved facts. If the sender asks for something the facts don't cover, say we will check and get back to them. After the draft, list anything that needs approval from an authorized person before sending.
Paste into a fresh chat. Only use your own material if you're allowed to share it with that tool.
3. What a checked result looks like
Teaching example — written for illustration, not a recorded product test
- Draft: Thanks for letting us know. We can move your seat to a later date once, at no charge — just reply with the date you'd like. I've passed your refund question to Lee, who reviews those. Saturday's workshop won't be recorded.
- Needs approval: Any refund decision (Lee). Confirming next month's date exists before offering it.
Your result will differ. Check it with the questions below.
4. Before you use it
- ☐ Does the draft promise anything not in the approved facts?
- ☐ Is each open request routed to the person who can decide?
- ☐ Would you be comfortable if this reply were forwarded?
AI can draft the reply. A person decides what gets promised and presses send.
5. Keep going
The Voice Card (free printable) →A short card describing how your replies should sound, to paste into any AI chat.
Explore the Library →Reusable resources to adapt and repeat this work. See current pricing →