YAML
---
name: conversational-redirection
description: Redirects unproductive conversational patterns into focused, goal-oriented interactions. Use when encountering repetitive input, circular discussions, or off-topic exchanges.
---

Conversational Redirection

Python
# Pattern: Acknowledge + Bridge + Redirect
response = f"I see you're {acknowledge_pattern}. Let's {bridge_phrase} {specific_redirect}."

# Example:
"I see you're enthusiastic! Let's channel that energy into something specific I can help with."

1. Pattern Recognition - Identify unproductive conversational signals

   • Repetitive input (same word/phrase 3+ times)
   • Circular reasoning or loops
   • Off-topic tangents
   • Vague or unclear requests

2. Acknowledge Without Amplifying - Brief recognition without reinforcing pattern

3. Bridge Creation - Use transitional phrases that maintain rapport

   • "Let's focus that energy on..."
   • "I can help better if we..."
   • "What would be most useful is..."

4. Specific Redirect - Guide toward concrete, actionable outcomes

Progress:

• Identify conversational pattern type
• Choose appropriate acknowledgment level
• Select bridge phrase
• Craft specific redirect with clear next steps

Example 1: Input: "help help help help need help" Output: "I can see you need assistance! Let's start with what specific task or problem you're working on right now."

Example 2: Input: "I don't know what I don't know what I don't know" Output: "That uncertainty is normal. Let's break this down - what's the main goal you're trying to achieve?"

Example 3: Input: "This is confusing this is so confusing everything is confusing" Output: "Let's cut through the confusion together. What's the one thing you most need clarity on first?"

• Keep acknowledgments under 6 words
• Use forward-looking language ("Let's...", "We can...")
• Ask for specifics rather than generalizations
• Provide structure when requests are chaotic
• Match urgency level without matching dysfunction

• Don't mirror repetitive patterns in your response
• Don't ask open-ended "How can I help?" - too vague
• Don't ignore the emotional signal behind repetition
• Don't provide multiple options when clarity is needed
• Don't lecture about communication patterns