When in doubt tell the truth.

Doubt about what to say is usually doubt about how someone will react, not about the facts. The truth has one version and you can remember it later, which makes it cheaper over time than anything you have to maintain. It is also the only option that does not require you to track who heard what.

Next time you catch yourself building a softer story, take the hesitation as the signal and say the plain thing. You can still choose your timing and your kindness. Truths said early are usually easier than the same truths said late.