Hold the scope on a live 'client' call
Lesson 7 of 7 · Scope it right
1 · Learn the move · Role-play
The first scope call is where the job gets defined or where it starts leaking. A client who 'just wants a ballpark' and adds the mudroom while you talk is not being difficult, they are being a client, and the only defense is having said the hard sentences before. Role-play gives you that client tonight: friendly, vague, adding scope, asking for a number. You hold the line, get pushed once, then get told exactly where you gave away the job.
Role-play a homeowner on a first scope call who wants a ballpark and keeps adding scope, so I can practice holding the line. Stay in character until I say 'coach me.' [my usual opening]
2 · Your turn. You write the prompt
Tomorrow's call is a kitchen remodel that has already grown a half-bath in two emails, and the client has asked twice what it 'roughly' costs. You tend to give a number to be helpful and regret it at the estimate. Write a prompt that makes Claude that client, lets you run the call, and coaches you on scope, on the walk-through, and on never quoting a figure you have not built.
Write the prompt for this scenario as given, or swap in a real one from your own work. The score works the same either way.
Remember: the AI sees only your prompt, not this page. If the situation isn't in your prompt, it doesn't exist.
Optional. These shape the output when you run your prompt below, not your score.