Gaining proficiency in expressing that you were informed about something in a professional manner is a valuable skill in both formal and informal settings. Whether you want to communicate this message politely during business meetings, discussions, or general conversations, having a range of phrases and expressions at your disposal can significantly enhance your communication abilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to convey “I was told” professionally, delving into formal and informal expressions without diving into regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “I Was Told” Professionally
When communicating in a formal setting, it is essential to maintain a polite and professional tone. Here are some formal expressions you can use to convey that you were informed about something professionally:
1. According to the information given to me:
This phrase allows you to explicitly state that you received the information in a professional manner.
According to the information given to me, the project deadline has been extended by two weeks.
2. As per our conversation/meeting:
By using this expression, you can indicate that the information was shared during a formal discussion.
As per our meeting earlier today, we have been assigned a new project to work on.
3. I have been informed/advised that:
By employing this phrase, you can clearly state that the information was formally conveyed to you by someone.
I have been informed that the department is undergoing a reorganization.
4. Based on what I understand:
Saying this allows you to provide the information you received while acknowledging that it may be subject to your interpretation.
Based on what I understand from our previous email exchange, the marketing campaign will be launched next month.
5. I’ve been apprised of the situation:
This expression demonstrates that you have been formally briefed on a particular matter.
I’ve been apprised of the situation, and it seems that the client is satisfied with our progress.
Informal Ways to Say “I Was Told” Professionally
While formal phrases are suitable for professional contexts, informal environments may call for a more relaxed tone. Here are some informal expressions to convey that you were professionally informed:
1. Word on the street is:
This expression is colloquial and adds a touch of informality while still implying a professional source.
Hey, the word on the street is that we’ll be receiving a bonus at the end of the month.
2. They let me in on the news:
Using this phrase indicates that someone shared confidential information with you.
Guess what? They let me in on the news that our team will be leading the new project.
3. I got the lowdown from a colleague:
This expression highlights that you received information from a colleague who is informed on the subject.
I got the lowdown from Sarah, and she mentioned that the meeting has been rescheduled to next week.
4. Someone tipped me off:
By using this phrase, you imply that someone discreetly informed you, generally in a professional context.
Someone tipped me off that our department will undergo some staff changes soon.
5. I was clued in about:
This expression suggests that you were given insider information or a heads-up regarding a particular matter.
I was clued in about our manager’s resignation, but the official announcement hasn’t been made yet.
Tips for Effectively Conveying “I Was Told” Professionally
Regardless of the context, here are some tips to help you convey “I was told” professionally:
1. Be mindful of your tone:
Ensure that your tone aligns with the formality of the setting. Maintain a respectful and positive tone to leave a good impression.
2. Use active listening skills:
Engage in active listening during conversations to catch all the details accurately. This will help you express the information professionally later.
3. Verify the information:
Before relaying the information you were told, it is essential to verify its accuracy to avoid miscommunication or false statements.
4. Adapt based on the audience:
Consider the people you are speaking to, their level of formality, and their familiarity with industry jargon. Adjust your phrasing accordingly.
5. Provide context:
When conveying the information, it is often helpful to provide some context so that others can better understand its significance.
Examples
Let’s put these tips and expressions into practice with a few examples:
Example 1:
Formal: According to the information given to me, the CEO will be announcing the quarterly results tomorrow.
Informal: Guess what? Word on the street is, the CEO will be announcing the quarterly results tomorrow.
Example 2:
Formal: I have been informed that the new departmental policy will take effect from next month.
Informal: You know what? Someone tipped me off that the new departmental policy will take effect from next month.
Example 3:
Formal: Based on what I understand from our meeting, the budget allocation for the project has been increased.
Informal: I got the lowdown from a colleague during our meeting; the budget allocation for the project has been increased.
Example 4:
Formal: As per our conversation earlier today, the client has expressed their satisfaction with our proposal.
Informal: They let me in on the news that the client is pretty happy with our proposal after our conversation today.
