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💬 Message Templates

Tone-optimized templates for common workplace situations. Copy, customize, and send with confidence.

Giving Constructive Feedback

A teammate submitted work that needs improvement

encouraging
❌ Don't say this

This isn't what I asked for. Can you redo it?

✅ Say this instead

Thanks for getting this done! I have a few suggestions that could strengthen it — mind if we walk through them?

Addressing a Missed Deadline

Someone missed a deadline and you need to follow up

supportive
❌ Don't say this

Per my last message, this was due yesterday. What happened?

✅ Say this instead

Following up on the deliverable from yesterday — I know things get busy. What's your revised ETA? Happy to help reprioritize if needed.

Asking for Help

You need a favor from a busy colleague

respectful
❌ Don't say this

Hey, I need you to do something for me ASAP.

✅ Say this instead

Hey! I'm working on [project] and could really use your expertise on [specific thing]. Would you have 15 minutes this week? No rush if you're swamped.

Requesting a Deadline Extension

You need more time to finish a task

proactive
❌ Don't say this

I can't finish this by Friday. I need more time.

✅ Say this instead

Quick heads up — I'm targeting high quality on this and want to make sure [specific aspect] is solid. Would pushing to Monday work? I can share a progress update Friday.

Sharing Bad News

Something went wrong that affects the team

calm + informative
❌ Don't say this

We have a problem. The deployment broke production.

✅ Say this instead

🚨 Heads up — we hit an issue with today's deploy. Impact: [specific]. I'm actively working on a fix and ETA is [time]. Will update in 30 min.

Status Update in Standup

Your daily standup message

structured
❌ Don't say this

Working on stuff. Nothing blocked.

✅ Say this instead

✅ Yesterday: Finished auth flow (PR #42 ready for review) 🔨 Today: Starting payment integration 🚫 Blocked: Need API credentials from @sarah

Disagreeing with a Decision

You think the team is making a mistake

collaborative
❌ Don't say this

That's a bad idea. We tried that before and it didn't work.

✅ Say this instead

Interesting approach! I want to flag something — we tried a similar approach in Q3 and hit [specific issue]. Would it help to look at what we learned then before committing?

Responding to Passive-Aggression

Someone sent you a passive-aggressive message

de-escalating
❌ Don't say this

I don't appreciate the tone. Can you be more professional?

✅ Say this instead

I want to make sure I'm reading this right — sounds like there might be some frustration around [topic]. Want to hop on a quick call to align? Text can miss nuance.

Following Up After No Response

A client hasn't responded in a week

helpful
❌ Don't say this

Just following up again. Did you see my last message?

✅ Say this instead

Hi [name]! Circling back on [topic] — I know things get busy. Quick recap: [1-sentence summary]. Would [specific next step] work for you this week?

Handling a Complaint

A client is unhappy with something

empathetic
❌ Don't say this

That's not how our product works. You need to read the docs.

✅ Say this instead

I completely understand your frustration, and I'm sorry for the experience. Let me look into this right now — I'll have an update for you within [timeframe].

Praising Good Work

A teammate did something great

enthusiastic
❌ Don't say this

Good job.

✅ Say this instead

Huge shoutout to @teammate for the work on [specific thing] 🎉 The way you handled [detail] was really impressive and saved us [impact]. 🙌

Welcoming a New Team Member

Someone just joined your team

warm
❌ Don't say this

Welcome. Let me know if you have questions.

✅ Say this instead

Welcome to the team, @newperson! 🎉 We're really excited to have you. A few things to get you started: • [Resource 1] • [Resource 2] I'm your go-to for questions this week — don't hesitate to ping me about anything!

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