Office English: Clear communication

Workplace communication often suffers from ambiguity caused by industry jargon and overly polite phrasing like "maybe" or "perhaps," which can obscure final decisions. Resolving confusion in written emails requires sense-checking with colleagues or replying with a direct comparison of the original message against one's own interpretation. In spoken contexts, clarifying in the moment is more effective than waiting, utilizing phrases such as "Are we on the same page?" or "I just want to get this straight" to align perspectives. To ensure personal clarity, emails should utilize simple language, headings, and lists, while spoken instructions should shift from indirect polite requests to direct commands once a decision is reached. Rephrasing key points with lead-ins like "To be clear" or "To clarify" further minimizes the risk of misunderstanding and ensures all parties share a common understanding of tasks and timelines.