A conversation on hold
THE WAITING GAMEAlex
Hey!
Sam
Hi, what’s up?
Now waiting for the actual question
Alex
Where can I find the notes from yesterday?
LESS WAITING. BETTER CONVERSATIONS.
Say hello.
Include your question.
A friendly greeting is a great start. Add why you’re here in the same message, so the other person can help when they’re ready.
See the differenceSomething to answer
A BETTER STARTAlex
Hey Sam! Where can I find the notes from yesterday’s planning meeting? No rush.
Sam
Hey! They’re in the shared Planning folder.
A reply, whenever Sam is ready.
WHAT DOES NO HELLO MEAN?
Leave a message.
Let them get back to it.
No hello is a simple approach to chat etiquette: send your greeting and question together. A lone “hi,” “are you there?” or “quick question” asks someone to reply before they know what you need.
When your question is already there, they can understand it, decide when to respond, and leave you a useful answer—even if you’re no longer online.
Chat works better when you don’t both have to be there.
MAKE IT EASY TO HELP
One message. A little more context.
You don’t need a perfect brief. Just give the other person a place to start.
Hello 01+Context 02+Question 03+Timing 04
Timing is optional. If it matters, give a real deadline. If it can wait, say so.
Say good morning. Add the question.
“Morning, Priya! Hope your week’s going well. Do you know whether tomorrow’s workshop is in person or online?”
Be warm and specific.
“Hi Jordan! Hope you had a good weekend. Could you send me the latest event schedule? I’m putting together the invitations. Sometime this week is fine.”
Give them a starting point.
“Hi! I’m trying to export the monthly report, but it stops at 50%. I’ve tried restarting it. Any idea what I should check next?”
Share the what and when.
“Hey! Could you review the introduction in the attached draft by Thursday afternoon? I’d love a second opinion on the tone.”
Give the call some context.
“Hi! Could we take 10 minutes to talk through Friday’s handover? I’m free after 2 today, or we can find a time tomorrow.”
Make it easy to pick up again.
“Hey Morgan! Following up on the room booking for Tuesday’s session. Is it confirmed? We’re sending the attendee email tomorrow, so an update today would help.”
Explain why the timing matters.
“Hi Lee! The registration form is rejecting new entries, and sign-ups close at noon. Could you take a look this morning? I’ve attached the error and the steps to reproduce it.”
Give context without every detail.
“Hi Taylor, could we find a private moment to discuss a change to my work schedule? It’s personal, so I’d prefer to explain on a call. Would tomorrow afternoon work?”
Invite the question kindly.
“Hey! Feel free to send your question and any details here. I’m in the middle of something, but I’ll get back to you when I can.”
Introduce yourself and the request.
“Hi [name]! When you have a moment, could you help me with [specific question]? I’m from [team] and working on [project]. I’ve tried [what you’ve tried], but I’m stuck on [issue]. No rush—whenever you have time.”
“I was wondering” works, too.
“Hi [name]! I was wondering if you could help me when you have a moment. I’m from [team] and working on [project]. I’m trying to [goal], but [issue]. Do you know how I can [specific question]? No rush if you’re busy.”
Ask gently. Include the question.
“Hi [name]! If you’re not too busy, I was wondering if you could help me with a question. I’m from [team] and working on [project]. Do you know where I can find [specific information]? Whenever you have a moment is fine.”