Instructions for a colleague

Instructions for a colleague

Learn how to write instructions for a colleague.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Tips

1. You can start a note with just the name of the person you are writing to or Hi ... . You don’t need to use Dear … .

2. Make sure dates are very clear. Include the day, date and time.

3. Explain the reason for the instructions.

4. Write clear and polite instructions. Use phrases like Can / Could / Would you please … ?

5. At the end offer the chance to ask questions and check the instructions.

6. Finish the note with Best, or Thanks, and then your name underneath.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Worksheet93.24 KB

Language level

Average: 4 (8 votes)
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Submitted by Mai1305 on Mon, 09/12/2024 - 07:58

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When you have to give someone instructions, do you prefer to write them a note or speak to them? Why?
I think it depends on the task. If the task is quite simple and do not require too much people to be involved and easy to finish I will prefer speak to them directly so we can safe time and easy to discuss with colleagues. In contrast, if the task is complicated and requires many teams in companies to be involved and to let all people can catch all informations about the task I will prefer to write them a not. 

Submitted by Ashley_han on Tue, 19/11/2024 - 17:02

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I prefer to talk to them, as I can explain myself better.

Submitted by haqi29 on Tue, 01/10/2024 - 07:32

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It depends on the task that you'll be instructed for. If the task is complex and requires other teams to be involved, I would prefer written notes and send it by email. In contrast, if the task is easier and requires less effort to do, I would prefer to give direct instruction by talking to someone who is assigned to the task. 

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Submitted by ASSAMOI on Mon, 30/09/2024 - 16:34

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Hi Israelle,

we have a meeting at office on wednesday 2 October 2024 at 9:30 to 12:00 with all department heads on our procedure of work. 

  • Can you help me to organize this meetings
  • Could you please prepare 7 pens and notepads for every head ?
  • Would you please email to department heads for remenbering them the date and time of the meeting ?

Thank you very much for your help. if you are any questions, write me. I will be available tomorrow in the morning.

 

Best

BEDE ASSAMOI YAVO GILLES

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Submitted by ASSAMOI on Fri, 27/09/2024 - 14:28

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When I have to give someone instructions, I prefer to write them a note. Because the writtings are tthe proofs but when to speak to them, they can forget them. 

Hi I Israelle,

we have a meeting in meetting room on wednesday 2 October 2024 at 9:30 to 12:00 with all department heads on our procedure of work. 

  • Can you help me to organize this meetings
  • Could you please prepare 7 pens and notepads for every head ?
  • Would you please email to department heads for remenber them to this meeting ?

Thank you very much for help. if you are any questions, write me. I will be avaible tomorrow in the morning.

 

Best

BEDE ASSAMOI YAVO GILLES

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Submitted by zino on Sun, 04/08/2024 - 17:42

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When I need to give someone instructions, such as my students, I prefer to write them a note.

Submitted by Widad_sri on Sat, 13/07/2024 - 09:51

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If i should give my friend some instruction, i will speak to them directly. But, i'll also text them after that to ensure they won't forget what should their do.

 

Dear M,

As you may already know, we will had team meeting tomorrow and i expect all of our teammate would came. I would like you to help me prepare several things.

  • Could you send appointment email to our teammate and ensure whether they will attend or not?
  • Could you write a message to a room keeper, thus we can lend the room for our meeting tomorrow? I know it's too sudden, so i hope you can text them immedietly.

If there is something you still confuse, please let me know.

Thank you

 

Regards,

WSS

Submitted by kiki1122_1122 on Thu, 04/07/2024 - 09:52

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I prefer to make them a note as they will never miss out every details what I want to say. 

Submitted by Anna1303 on Wed, 12/06/2024 - 10:08

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when I have to give someone instruction I prefer to write a note . because i do not want them miss any important information and it's easier for them to understand clearly what I want 

Submitted by ubaid332 on Tue, 14/05/2024 - 07:18

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When I have to give instructions to someone I prefer to make a note because verbal instructions miss the important information. For this reason, the note is useful.