How to say “Refer to informal communication” professionally

“Refer to informal communication”

Say this insteadLV.1 Professional

“I recall we had a preliminary discussion regarding this topic via [channel, e.g., Slack/Teams/a quick chat] on [date]. Could you please refer to that exchange for the initial context and agreed-upon parameters?”

SafeUnhinged

The Anatomy

The chain of dysfunction that forced you to say this.

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The Multiverse

You said one thing. Everyone heard something different.

YOUR INTENT

We already talked about this. Don't make me do extra work just because you forgot, or want to shift blame for an unwritten commitment.

YOUR BOSS'S READ

Ah, excellent. They remembered my brilliant, undocumented idea. Clearly, they're already on it, demonstrating initiative beyond the formal channels.

PM'S READ

Another instance of a stakeholder attempting to circumvent established processes. This will require a 'clarification sprint,' an 'alignment workshop,' and a new Jira ticket for the 'undefined scope.'

HR'S READ

An exemplary display of proactive communication, leveraging all available channels for seamless knowledge sharing and fostering a collaborative, informal-yet-effective team dynamic. Employee engagement is at an all-time high.

How to say "Refer to informal communication" to your boss

Level 1: I recall we had a preliminary discussion regarding this topic via [channel, e.g., Slack/Teams/a quick chat] on [date]. Could you please refer to that exchange for the initial context and agreed-upon parameters?

Level 2: To ensure we are fully aligned with our previous discussions, I believe the foundational understanding for this initiative was established during our informal sync on [Date/Channel]. Revisiting that conversation might clarify the original intent and scope.

Level 3: Per our 'agile' approach to documentation, the preliminary understanding for this request was, if memory serves, outlined during our spontaneous 'synergy session' on [Date/Time] in [Channel]. I trust the prevailing sentiment from that conversation remains the guiding principle here, precluding the need for additional formal artifacts.

Level 4: The initial parameters for this were discussed and agreed upon informally in [channel/meeting] on [date]. Moving forward, if there is a need to formalize or significantly deviate from that, we should schedule a dedicated meeting to document the revised scope and its implications.

Level 5: Check your DMs.

How to say "Refer to informal communication" to your client

Level 1: Our initial conversation regarding this was held on [Date/Platform]. Please refer to the summary of that discussion for the foundational context.

Level 2: To ensure continuity with our established understanding, the groundwork for this particular aspect was laid during our informal exchange on [Date/Channel]. We can certainly review that discussion further if needed to clarify any points.

Level 3: As per the 'soft commitment' made during our preliminary 'ideation sync' on [Date/Time], prior to the formal SOW being drafted, the consensus was [briefly reference original agreement]. We endeavor to uphold these unwritten covenants, even as the formal documentation struggles to keep pace with our dynamic engagements.

Level 4: This was discussed informally on [date/channel]. Any changes to what was agreed upon require a formal change request to ensure it aligns with the project's scope, budget, and contractual obligations.

Level 5: Read the email.

How to say "Refer to informal communication" to your coworker

Level 1: You might find the details you're looking for in our previous chat on [platform/date]. We touched upon this briefly there.

Level 2: As we briefly discussed earlier in [channel], the initial thoughts on this were [briefly re-state]. Do you need me to elaborate further on that specific point, or does reviewing our previous exchange suffice?

Level 3: Ah yes, the 'pre-planning whiteboard session' in [chat channel/hallway] where we 'aligned' on this. I believe the unwritten decree from that engagement was [briefly allude to original agreement]. Perhaps the digital ether retained the original context better than our respective short-term corporate memory.

Level 4: We agreed on this informally in [chat/call] on [date]. If that understanding has shifted, please let me know, and let's document the change formally to avoid further misalignments.

Level 5: Scroll up.

The Decoder's Analysis

In corporate settings, the need to reference informal communication often arises when there's a disconnect between a casual discussion and a formal expectation or request. This phrase is crucial for clarifying the original scope of work, setting boundaries, and managing workload effectively, especially when ad-hoc requests threaten to derail planned tasks. Mastering professional communication around these informal agreements helps prevent misinterpretations, reinforces accountability, and ensures that all parties are operating from a shared understanding.

When to use this

USEWhen a stakeholder attempts to formalize a casual agreement or decision without acknowledging its informal origin or the lack of documented details.

USEWhen reminding a colleague or superior of a previously discussed understanding that was not formally recorded, to avoid redundant effort or scope creep.

USETo gently push back on new requests that contradict or expand upon prior verbal or chat-based agreements, ensuring project boundaries are maintained.

AVOIDWhen the informal communication was vague, open to multiple interpretations, or contradicts established formal policies, as this could open a Pandora's Box of ambiguity.

Related Deflections

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