Asking a stranger: one clear request

You lead with what the other side needs, then what you need. Emotion stays with you; facts and options go across the table.

Task: Needing one answer from someone I barely know.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - the exact question
   - what I already tried
   - why they might know
   - timing
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- one message, one round
- state what I ruled out
- offer an easy out
- close the loop with the outcome

[Process]
1. Read their situation and pressure first
2. Turn feeling into facts and impact
3. Offer a cheap way to respond
4. State the ask and the date
5. Check whether you decided for them

[Output]
One conclusion, facts, the ask, the date. Nothing long.

[Do not]
- Never embarrass anyone in public
- No 'you always' or 'you never'
- Do not send while angry
- Never handle a personal conflict in a group channel