Phrase library / Email & Slack

What to say at work: email & slack

Phrases for follow-ups, reminders, deadlines and messages that get answered the first time.

“Did you get a chance to look at my last email?”

“Following up on the budget question below. Could you reply by Wednesday?”

A specific ask and date make a follow-up easy to answer.

and then nothing

“Hey, quick question about the Q3 slides: can I use last year's template?”

Putting the question in the first message saves a round trip.

“Per my last email…”

“Resharing the details below so they're easy to find.”

Same reminder, minus the passive-aggressive edge.

“Sorry for the long email!”

“TL;DR: I need your approval by Friday. Details below.”

Headline first lets busy readers stop once they have what they need.

“Let me know your thoughts.”

“Can you confirm option A by Tuesday? If I don't hear back, I'll proceed.”

A default action keeps work moving when replies are slow.

“Hope you're well! Just wanted to reach out and touch base about maybe…”

“I'm writing to ask for your help with the onboarding guide.”

Stating your purpose in the first line respects the reader's time.

“I need this by 3 p.m. today for the client call.”

A real deadline and a reason beat exclamation points.

“I'm always available, just ping me anytime!”

“I check messages until 6. For anything urgent after that, please call.”

Clear availability sets expectations before they turn into resentment.

“No worries if not!”

“Would you be open to a quick call Thursday? Happy to work around your schedule.”

Offering flexibility is gracious. Talking yourself out of the ask isn't.

“Sounds good. I'll take it from here.”

A full sentence avoids reading as annoyed.

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