Tell an internal candidate they did not get the job

Help me prepare to tell {{employee_role}} that they were not selected for the {{position}} role they applied for internally. I am {{my_role}}. The decision has been made; the aim is to tell them first, before any announcement, honestly and in a way that keeps them engaged in their current job and their career here.

How the selection was made (criteria, stages, who decided):
"""
{{selection_process}}
"""

Feedback on their application, from the panel's notes:
"""
{{panel_feedback}}
"""

When the appointment will be announced: {{announcement_timing}}
Development options we can genuinely offer: {{development_options}}

Produce, with a heading for each part:
1. Talking points for a short meeting, under 200 words: the decision in the first two sentences, thanks for applying, two or three specific pieces of feedback tied to the criteria, and an offer to talk about next steps. For example, one piece of feedback could read: "The panel was looking for evidence of owning a budget, and your examples were about planning spend rather than being accountable for it." This shows the form only.
2. Answers to four to six likely questions, such as "Who got it?", "What would have made the difference?" and "Is there a future for me here?", each in two or three sentences.
3. A follow-up email, under 120 words, confirming the conversation and any next step agreed.

A good conversation leaves them clear on the reason and on one or two concrete things they could do next, without feeling misled. Be specific and honest, and do not invent strengths or gaps the panel's notes do not show. Never compare them with the chosen candidate or share anyone else's assessment, and do not promise a future role, timeline or promotion unless it is in the development options above. Leave out age, family, health and other personal matters entirely.

If the panel's notes are too thin to give specific feedback, say so at the top and suggest what to ask the panel before the meeting, rather than filling the gap with general advice. If the announcement is due before the meeting can happen, flag it, because they should not hear the news from someone else.