Practice the difficult conversation first

A raise, a boundary, a resignation. Say it out loud to a realistic AI voice that answers back, before you say it to the person.

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murmur

hey.wanna rehearse a phone call?

you call · the olive tree

book a table

book a table for two on friday.

easyup to 3:00

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call language or try another call

A real call, up to 3:00. Uses your microphone. Your voice is streamed live and never recorded.

Say it out loud once

In your head the other person never interrupts. Out loud you hear where the sentence falls apart and where you start apologising. One spoken run-through shows you both.

Open with the point

Put the subject in the first sentence: "I'd like to talk about my salary." People brace less when they know where a conversation is going.

Expect the pushback

Decide what you will say when they say no, change the subject or get upset. In murmur the voice does all three, and you can run the same call again until your answer comes easily.

Know where you stop

Pick the outcome you need and the one you would accept. If you get either, the conversation worked, however uncomfortable it felt.

At work

Ask for a RaiseKnow your worth and get paid what you deserve with confidence. Ask for Internship FeedbackGet honest feedback from your supervisor to improve and grow. Negotiate First SalaryNegotiate your first real job offer without fumbling the bag. Decline a Job Offer GracefullyTurn down a job offer while keeping the door open for the future. Hand in Your NoticeTell your boss you're leaving without burning the bridge. Fire an EmployeeDeliver a termination with clarity and dignity.

About money

Dispute a ChargeGet that mystery charge on your statement sorted out. Negotiate Rent with LandlordTry to lower your rent or negotiate terms like a grown-up. Ask to Split Bills DifferentlySuggest a fairer way to split shared expenses with roommates or friends. Ask Parents for MoneyRequest financial help from family when you really need it. Ask Friend to Pay You BackRequest money back from a friend who owes you without ruining the friendship. Negotiate a BillTalk a too-high bill down before you pay it.

With family and friends

Set a BoundaryStand up for yourself while keeping the relationship intact. Apologize to a FriendSay sorry and actually mean it when you've messed up. End a FriendshipHave the difficult conversation to end a friendship that's no longer healthy. Talk About Toxic BehaviorConfront a friend about their harmful behavior toward you or others. Set Boundaries with FamilyEstablish healthy boundaries with family members who overstep. Tell Parents You're Changing MajorsBreak the news to your parents that you're switching your major or career path.

All calls Build a script

murmur is practice, not advice or therapy. For a conversation that affects your safety, talk to someone you trust first.

Questions

Can I practice a difficult conversation with AI?

Yes. In murmur you pick the situation, a realistic voice plays the other person and pushes back, and afterwards you get the transcript with notes on what to try next time.

How do I start a difficult conversation?

Say what it is about in your first sentence, then stop and let the other person answer. An opening you have already said out loud once is much easier to say the second time.

What if the other person gets upset?

Decide beforehand what you will say if they say no, change the subject or get angry. In a practice call the voice does all three, so the real reaction is less of a surprise.

Guides

ScriptHow to ask for a raise on a call, with a scriptHow to open, what to say to "no budget", and how to end with a date. ScriptHow to resign by phoneThe order to say it in, and what to do with a counter-offer. Practice planPhone anxiety: a two-week practice planOne small call a day for fourteen days, each a little harder than the last.

All guides

Rehearse the call before you dial

murmur is on the App Store, for iPhone.

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