Business English Tips #81–#85
Introduction: Learning Objectives
Delays happen. Deadlines move. Priorities shift. In global business, the key is not to avoid all delays, but to communicate them clearly and protect relationships when they happen.
In this set, you’ll learn how to:
- Inform others about a delay without sounding unprofessional
- Provide reasons without making excuses
- Offer a revised timeline
- Maintain credibility when expectations must change
- Use more advanced C1-level phrasing to manage client or supervisor confidence
Tip 81: Say There Is a Delay — Do Not Hide It
Mini-scenario:
Anna, a designer in Prague, knows the update will be late. She hopes to fix it by the next day, so she says nothing.
The client is frustrated when nothing arrives.
Tip:
If you know there is a delay, say it early. Use plain, professional language:
- I wanted to let you know there will be a delay.
- This task is taking longer than expected.
- There’s been a small setback on our side.
This builds trust, even when the news is not good.
Tip 82: Give a Specific Reason — Not an Excuse
Mini-scenario:
David, in a logistics company in Manila, says:
“I’ve been busy. Things happen.”
His client feels ignored.
Tip:
A real explanation builds credibility. You don’t need every detail — just one clear cause:
- The shipment is delayed due to a customs inspection.
- The design is taking longer because the requirements changed last week
- Our supplier had a materials issue, which pushed back our schedule.
Clear reasoning shows respect for the other person’s time.
Tip 83: Always Offer a Revised Timeline
Mini-scenario:
Elena, a project lead in Madrid, tells her colleague that the report is delayed, but says nothing more.
Her colleague is left waiting.
Tip:
Never stop at “We’re delayed.” Always give a new time frame:
- We’re behind, but we expect to deliver by Wednesday.
- The file will be ready by the end of the week.
- I’ll update you by 3 pm tomorrow.
A new timeline gives others something to plan around.
Tip 84: Offer a Partial Update or Workaround (C1 Scaffold)
Mini-scenario:
Tomás, an architect in Buenos Aires, cannot finish the full presentation. He says he needs more time.
His client is disappointed — the meeting is already booked.
Tip:
At C1 level, offer something useful, even if the full task isn’t ready:
- The final version needs more time, but I can share a draft for discussion.
- We can walk through the slides without visuals today and send those tomorrow.
- Would it be helpful to review the key figures now and follow with the document later?
This keeps the conversation moving, even if the work is not complete.
Tip 85: Use Language That Maintains Confidence (C1 Scaffold)
Mini-scenario:
Fatima, a sales rep in Dubai, emails:
“Sorry. It’s late again. I hope you don’t mind.”
The client starts to worry about reliability.
Tip:
You can be honest without sounding weak. Show you are still in control:
- Thanks for your patience — we’re adjusting the timeline slightly.
- This delay will not affect the overall schedule.
- We’re working through it, and I’ll keep you fully updated.
This kind of phrasing helps people trust you, even when the plan changes.
Conclusion: A Delay Is Not the End — If You Communicate Well
What breaks trust is not the delay itself. It ‘s the perception of it: the silence, vagueness, or poor follow-up. When you manage expectations clearly, you protect relationships and show maturity in your communication.
Learn the phrases. Practice the tone. Build trust even when things don’t go as planned.
Self-Scoring Quiz: Communicating Delays
Choose the best response in each situation. Some options may seem okay, but only one reflects clarity, professionalism, and control.
1. What’s the best way to start a message about a delay?
A) I was busy, sorry.
B) I wanted to let you know there will be a delay.
C) Things got complicated.
Correct: B — Clear and direct without excuses.
2. How should you give a reason for a delay?
A) We had issues.
B) Someone forgot.
C) There was a customs inspection that caused a delay.
Correct: C — Specific and professional.
3. What’s missing in this message: “There’s a delay.”
A) A better font
B) A new timeline
C) A reason
Correct: B — People need to know when to expect the next step.
4. How do you manage a meeting when the full work isn’t ready?
A) Cancel it
B) Don’t say anything
C) Offer a partial update or walk through key points
Correct: C — Progress keeps the project moving.
5. What helps maintain trust when giving bad news?
A) I hope this doesn’t upset you
B) This will not affect the overall schedule
C) Don’t worry about it
Correct: B — It shows control and professionalism.