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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Communicate deadlines clearly and professionally in work conversations.
2. Discuss delays or timeline changes using polite and solution-focused language.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. What strategies help you stay on track with deadlines?
2. How do you communicate when you need more time?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
time-sensitive
Adjective
/ˈtaɪmˌsɛn.sə.tɪv/
Meaning:
Something that must be completed quickly because timing is important.
- This is time-sensitive, so let’s finish it by today.
buffer
noun
/ˈbʌf.ər/
Meaning:
Extra time added to prevent delays.
- Let’s add a two-day buffer in case the client needs changes.
cutting it close
idiom
/ˈkʌtɪŋ ɪt kloʊs/
Meaning:
Doing something with very little time left.
- If we start tomorrow, we’ll be cutting it close.
push back
phrasal verb
/pʊʃ bæk/
Meaning:
Delay or reschedule to a later time.
- We may need to push back the deadline to next week.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: Two coworkers discuss a deadline change in a shared workspace.
Hey Sam, quick update; the client just added new requirements.
Jordan
Got it. Is the project still on schedule, or are we cutting it close?
Sam
We’re cutting it close. It’s time-sensitive, so we may need to adjust the timeline.
Jordan
Should we push back the deadline?
Sam
Maybe. Let’s build in a two-day buffer before confirming.
Jordan
Sounds good. Do you want me to let the team know?
Sam
Yes, please. Keep everyone updated.
Jordan
Will do; thanks for flagging it.
Sam
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
1. Why might they adjust the timeline?
A. The client added new requirements
B. They finished early
C. The project was cancelled
2. What do they need to add to prevent delays?
A. A new budget
B. A buffer
C. A new manager
3. What does “push back” mean?
A. Make earlier
B. Cancel
C. Delay
4. What does “cutting it close” imply?
A. There is plenty of time
B. Not much time remains
C. The task is optional
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Manage Deadlines Professionally
Managing deadlines well is essential in the workplace, especially when working in shared spaces where communication needs to be clear and respectful.
Start by confirming expectations: what is due, who is responsible, and the exact timeline. When possible, include a buffer to give your team flexibility. If delays happen, communicate early and offer solutions instead of excuses. Use phrases like “We may need to adjust the timeline” to keep the conversation professional and collaborative.
Avoid surprising colleagues at the last minute, especially during busy office hours when people rely on shared schedules. Finally, follow up regularly to keep everyone in the loop. Clear communication helps teams stay aligned and reduces stress across the workplace.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: buffer, who is responsible, timeline, solutions
1. Always confirm what is due and __________ for it.
2. Communicate delays early and offer __________.
3. Use professional language like “adjust the __________.”
4. Add a __________ to allow more flexibility.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you track your deadlines at work?
2. What makes a deadline realistic or unrealistic?
3. How do you communicate when you're falling behind?
4. What phrases help you ask for more time politely?
5. How do deadlines change in shared workspaces or open offices?
6. What strategies help your team stay aligned on timelines?
7. How do you balance speed with quality work?
8. What challenges do you face when multiple deadlines overlap?
