Workplace Communication Idioms

Flashcards with common workplace expressions used in different workplace scenarios, including asking for feedback, declining invitations, requesting clarification, apologizing, offering help, disagreeing politely, providing feedback, brainstorming, responding to criticism, handling clients, and making requests.

What is another way to ask a coworker to review your report and share their opinion?

"Would you mind looking over my report and sharing your two cents by tomorrow?"

"I’m unable to attend the meeting due to a backlog on my plate. Could I catch up on the notes afterward?"

How do you politely decline a meeting invite due to a heavy workload?

"Could you please clarify the big picture for this task? I want to ensure I hit the ground running."

What is a way to ask your manager to clarify the overall goal for a task?

"I sincerely apologize for falling behind on the deadline. I’ll prioritize this and submit it by the eleventh hour."

How can you apologize for missing a deadline and commit to prioritizing the task?

"I noticed you’re swamped. Would you like me to lend a hand with the heavy lifting?"

What's a polite way to offer help to a teammate who is overwhelmed?

"I see your point, but have we considered thinking outside the box? Maybe streamlining the process could work better."

How can you disagree politely during a team meeting while suggesting a creative approach?

"Your slides are very clear, but adding more flesh out might strengthen the bottom line."

How do you give constructive feedback on a peer’s presentation focusing on expanding details?

"What are your thoughts on breaking the ice? I’d love to hear your brain dump."

What’s a way to initiate a brainstorming session and encourage idea sharing?

"Thank you for the feedback. I’ll focus on improving stepping up my game and ironing out the kinks next time."

How do you respond to criticism from a supervisor and commit to improvement?

"Thank you for your patience. We’re getting to the bottom of the issue and will update you by ASAP."

How do you answer a client’s email when you need more time to solve an issue?

"I completely understand your frustration. Let me sort this out and get back to you pronto."

What's a way to handle an angry customer on the phone by offering a resolution?

"Due to unforeseen bumps in the road, we’ll need a few extra days to finalize the project."

How do you explain a delay in project delivery to a client using professional language?

"Thank you for your valuable food for thought. We’ll use it to step up our services."

How do you thank a customer for their feedback and commit to improving services?

"While we can’t pull it off by Friday, we can phase in a delivery."

How do you politely decline a client’s unrealistic request while offering an alternative?

"Hi [Name], I’m John, the new guy. I handle keeping the ball rolling. Let me know if you need anything!"

What's a way to introduce yourself to a new team member and offer assistance?

"Dear [Interviewer], Thank you for the opportunity. I’m excited about the foot in the door role and would welcome any ballpark figure."

How do you write a follow-up email after a job interview expressing excitement and interest?

"You’re welcome! I’m glad I could go the extra mile. Don’t hesitate to loop me in in the future."

How do you respond to a 'thank you' email from a colleague, offering future assistance?

"Hi [Manager], I’d like to request taking a breather off on [Date] for a doctor’s appointment. Let me know if this works."

What's a way to request time off for a personal appointment using professional language?

"Hi [Name], could we keep it down during crunch time? It helps me focus."

How can you politely ask a coworker to reduce noise levels during a busy period?