Account for the relationship as it is now
Use a tone that fits the present relationship, not the closeness, authority, or access that existed in the past. For a message about how to give constructive feedback to a coworker, use this factual base: use recent examples, observable impact, and the work requirement rather than labels about personality.
Ask without assigning an obligation
Explain what you hope for while making decline, delay, or a different format genuinely acceptable. Ask for a specific change, decision, or working agreement and choose a time to review it. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Keep the ending honest
Do not diagnose, gossip, embarrass a colleague, or turn one incident into a judgment about their character. Move harassment, discrimination, threats, health risk, and retaliation into the appropriate protected process. Avoid future promises, guilt, flattery, or nostalgia that imply the recipient owes you access.