In professional settings, it’s common to encounter situations where you need to follow up on a matter or reconnect with someone after an initial conversation. When looking for the right words to address this, the phrase “circle back” has gained popularity. Whether you want to express this notion formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “circle back professionally,” providing tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Circle Back”
When communicating in a formal context, such as professional emails, meetings, or conferences, it’s essential to maintain a tone that reflects your professionalism and respect for others. Here are some phrases you can use to convey the idea of circling back:
i) Follow Up
One of the most straightforward and widely accepted phrases to use is “follow up.” It’s a versatile term that can be adapted to various situations:
- “I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation regarding [topic].”
- “Could we schedule a time to follow up on [matter]?”
ii) Resume the Discussion
If you prefer a more formal approach, you can use the phrase “resume the discussion” to indicate your intention to circle back:
- “Let’s resume the discussion we had about [subject] at a convenient time for you.”
- “I’d like to schedule a meeting to resume our conversation regarding [topic].”
iii) Reconnect
“Reconnect” is another professional alternative to “circle back” that can be used to express your desire to resume a conversation or address a matter:
- “It would be great to reconnect and discuss [topic] further.”
- “Could we find a time to reconnect regarding [subject]?”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Circle Back”
In a more casual or informal setting, it’s acceptable to use different phrases that still convey the same core idea. These alternatives can be useful when reaching out to colleagues or acquaintances:
i) Get Back to (Someone)
If you’d like to informally indicate your intention to follow up, you can say you’ll “get back to” the person regarding a particular matter:
- “I’ll get back to you about [topic] as soon as possible.”
- “Let me check my schedule and get back to you with a proposed time.”
ii) Touch Base
“Touch base” is an idiomatic expression often used in informal contexts to convey the idea of reconnecting or revisiting a previous discussion:
- “Just wanted to touch base and see if there have been any updates on [subject].”
- “Let’s touch base next week to discuss our plans further.”
iii) Catch Up
If you have a more familiar relationship with the person you’re contacting, you can use “catch up” to express your desire to revisit a topic or reconnect for a discussion:
- “We should grab a coffee sometime soon to catch up on [subject].”
- “I’d love to catch up and discuss [topic] whenever you’re available.”
3. Tips and Examples for Effective Communication
Regardless of the phrasing you choose, it’s important to ensure your message is clear, concise, and polite. Here are some tips and examples to help you communicate effectively when circling back professionally:
i) Be Specific
Clearly state the topic or matter you wish to revisit in your communication. This helps the recipient understand your purpose and respond accordingly. For example:
“I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation regarding the upcoming project deadline.”
ii) Suggest a Specific Time or Method
When reaching out to schedule a follow-up discussion, proposing a specific time or method of communication demonstrates your initiative and makes it easier for the other person to coordinate. Here’s an example:
“Could we schedule a brief call next Tuesday around 2 PM to resume our discussion about the budget proposal?”
iii) Express Appreciation
Always express your appreciation for the recipient’s time and willingness to revisit the matter. Showing gratitude helps maintain a positive and respectful tone. For instance:
“Thank you for taking the time to catch up and discuss our progress. I really appreciate your input and guidance.”
iv) Keep it Professional
Ensure your communication maintains a professional tone and language, even when using more informal alternatives. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions that may undermine your professionalism. For example:
“Hey! Just wanted to touch base about our chat yesterday. When are you free to discuss it more?”
Remember that the key to effective communication is finding the right balance between being professional, courteous, and approachable based on the context and the relationship with the recipient. Adapt your tone accordingly.
Conclusion
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “circle back professionally,” you can confidently follow up on conversations, reconnect with colleagues, or resume discussions with ease. Just remember to consider the formality of the situation and choose the appropriate phrasing accordingly. Be specific, offer suggested times, express appreciation, and maintain a professional tone. With these tips and examples, you’ll effectively navigate the intricacies of circling back in professional settings!
