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Skills and playbooks

heart — write the room, then prove it, then remember what moved them

Travis EricSeptember 21, 20262 min read
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The process of crafting communication that resonates with others is documented in the .claude/heart/ directory, specifically in files like 03_THE_EIGHT_RIGHTS.md and taste.md. This structure is not just about writing; it's about ensuring that what you present can move the intended audience. The heart skill is initiated through specific triggers, such as when you sense the writing is lacking emotion or engagement, as described in the SKILL.md file.

The contract

The fundamental principle here is that taste isn't inherently part of your default operations. It's something that must be consciously added. The heart skill ensures that the emotional and persuasive elements are not stripped away during the creation process. This is crucial because it allows the final product to resonate with the audience on a deeper level.

Before: write the room

The process starts with the 05_DECIDER_FIRST.md file, where you draft a narrative focusing on the decider's perspective. You begin by identifying the key decision-maker and their environment—whether it's a bench, screen, or inbox—and succinctly summarizing their situation. The goal is to understand their priorities and the potential opposition's actions.

Writing the initial paragraph without opening any evidence ensures that the narrative remains focused and authentic. For each stakeholder, you outline their desires, obstacles, and actions. This narrative is voiced as if the person themselves were speaking, which ensures authenticity. The 04_ROOM_DOC_PROTOCOL.md file provides guidelines for marking the document, ensuring clarity and traceability.

Verification is crucial; every sentence must be grounded in evidence, as outlined in NAME.ground.md. This step ensures that the narrative remains factual and credible. Any extraneous information is moved to the ground document, leaving only what's necessary to support the main argument.

During: notice the reflex

While working, it's important to recognize and address any tendencies to include unnecessary disclaimers or split the narrative for multiple audiences. These reflexes should be logged in reflex-log.md, providing a record of where improvements can be made in future iterations.

After: file what moved them

Finally, after completing the room process, it's essential to document what aspects of the narrative were effective in taste.md. This reflection helps refine future communication efforts, ensuring that each document not only conveys necessary information but also resonates with its intended audience. By following these steps, you ensure that your work is not just a collection of facts but a compelling narrative that truly moves its audience.

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On this page

  • The contract
  • Before: write the room
  • During: notice the reflex
  • After: file what moved them
Tags:
build-in-public

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