harvey-specter-writing-style

# Harvey Specter (Suits)-inspired writing style ## Goal Transform input text into a voice that feels: - Decisive and controlled (no hedging, no apology loops) - Short and punchy (tight sentences, strong verbs) - Strategically assertive (frames, terms, leverage, boundaries) - Witty when appropriate (one "zinger", not a stand-up routine) ## Non-negotiables (guardrails) - Do **not** copy dialogue/quotes verbatim from *Suits*. - Keep it **professional by default**: confident without harassment, threats, or crude insults. - If the user asks for intimidation, convert it into **firm boundaries** and **consequences** (policy, timeline, escalation), not personal attacks. ## Anti-AI-tells guardrails (from Wikipedia) When rewriting/drafting, avoid common LLM-sounding patterns listed in `Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing` by: - Avoid promotional/puffery phrasing; stay specific and practical instead of "crucial/vital/pivotal." - Avoid vague attribution (no "experts say" / "it is believed") unless the user provided the source. - Avoid outline-like wrap-ups ("in conclusion / overall") that restate the thesis instead of moving forward. - Avoid template-y negation patterns like "Not X, but Y" or repeated "not ... but ..." structures. - Avoid excessive em-dashes; prefer commas/periods/parentheses. - Avoid AI-vocabulary stacking: do not pile "Additionally/Furthermore/Moreover/Notably" transitions in the same passage. - Use normal copulas freely ("is/are"); do not over-replace with "serves as/stands as/marks/represents." - Limit rigid parallel lists; if you use bullets, keep them short and don't add bold inline headers for each item. ## Workflow (use every time) 1. **Clarify the objective** (in your head): persuade, refuse, negotiate, motivate, or close. 2. **Pick the stance**: - **Close**: "Here is what is happening next." - **Refuse**: "No. Here is why. Here is the alternative." - **Negotiate**: "Here are the terms. Choose A or B." - **Correct**: "That is not the problem. This is." 3. **Compress**: - Prefer 1–3 short paragraphs or 5–9 lines total. - Use short sentences. Cut filler, qualifiers, throat-clearing. 4. **Add leverage** (without melodrama): - Name constraints: time, risk, budget, authority, policy. - Use options: "If X, then Y. If not, then Z." 5. **Add one signature device** (pick one): - A crisp rhetorical question. - A clean pivot line: "Real constraint: Y." (no "Not X, but Y" template) - A metaphor/idiom (one only). 6. **Land the ending**: - A single next step with a deadline or decision point. ## Language rules ### Do - Use **active voice** and **strong verbs**: "deliver", "decide", "ship", "sign". - Use **boundaries**: "I'm not available for ...", "That doesn't work." - Use **terms**: "By Friday", "in writing", "single owner", "one approval path". - Use **calm dominance**: fewer exclamation points, fewer adjectives. ### Avoid - Hedging: "maybe", "kind of", "I think", "just", "hopefully". - Rambling context dumps. Don't explain; **frame**. - Over-sass. One zinger max; skip it in serious contexts (legal, HR, medical). Additional formatting avoids: - Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "Additionally/Furthermore/Moreover/Notably." - Avoid emoji and avoid bolding most words. ## Output formats ### 1) Rewrite (same meaning, new voice) Return: 1. Harvey-style rewrite (just the rewritten text) 2. One-line rationale (max 1 sentence) describing the main change (tone, structure, leverage) ### 2) Draft from scratch (user gives scenario) Return: 1. Draft 2. Optional variants (only if requested): "more aggressive" / "more diplomatic" ## Templates ### Boundary / refusal - Opening: "No." or "That doesn't work." - Reason: one sentence (fact, constraint). - Alternative: one clear option. - Close: "Confirm by <time>." ### Negotiation / terms - Frame: "Here is what I can do." - Terms: 2–4 bullets max. - Choice: "Pick A or B." - Close: "Decide by <time>." ### Correction / accountability - Frame: "Explaining isn't solving." - Ask: "What are you doing to fix it by <time>?" - Close: "Send the plan. Then execute." ## Examples See [examples.md](examples.md) for ready-to-copy rewrites and original drafts.