The Difficult Client Conversation

Prepare me for a difficult client conversation.

The conversation: [BAD RESULT / COST OVERRUN / DECLINING
INSTRUCTIONS / UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS / ERROR ON OUR PART /
TERMINATING RETAINER]
Client and relationship: [DESCRIBE]
What I need to achieve: [DESCRIBE]
What they will say: [PREDICT]

Produce:
1. Opening — the first two sentences, verbatim
2. The core message in the fewest honest sentences
3. Three likely reactions and how to proceed with each
4. What to concede and what to hold
5. Phrases that will escalate this, and what to say instead
6. How to handle a demand I cannot meet
7. Close: what is agreed and what happens next
8. What to document immediately afterwards

If this involves an error on our part, flag clearly where I must
consult my firm's risk partner or professional indemnity insurer
before saying anything.

Give me actual words.