How To Say As We Discussed

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Post on Feb 03, 2025

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How to Say "As We Discussed": Mastering the Art of Concise and Effective Follow-Up

Do you ever struggle to succinctly recap previous conversations? Successfully referencing past discussions is crucial for efficient communication. This guide explores effective ways to reiterate points previously made, enhancing clarity and professionalism in your communication.

Editor's Note: This comprehensive guide on effectively referencing past discussions was published today.

Why It's Important & Summary

The ability to concisely summarize past conversations is paramount for maintaining professional relationships and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This guide provides various phrases and strategies to replace the often-overused "as we discussed," ensuring clear and effective communication across various contexts – from emails and presentations to in-person meetings. The article analyzes different phrasing options based on formality, audience, and context, offering practical examples to help you confidently reference prior conversations. Semantic keywords include: follow-up communication, summarizing conversations, effective communication, professional communication, concise phrasing, email etiquette, meeting summaries, recap, reiteration, referencing previous discussions.

Analysis

This guide resulted from extensive research into communication styles, professional etiquette, and best practices for concise writing. It draws upon examples from various professional settings to illustrate how different phrasing choices affect the overall message. The aim is to provide practical, actionable advice that can be immediately applied to improve communication effectiveness.

Key Insights:

• Context is Key: The best phrasing depends on the specific situation and your audience.
• Conciseness is Crucial: Avoid lengthy recaps; focus on the most relevant points.
• Maintain Professionalism: Choose phrasing that aligns with your professional image.
• Vary Your Language: Avoid repetition to keep your communication engaging.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague references; clearly identify the discussed points.

How to Say "As We Discussed": A Comprehensive Guide

Recap Techniques for Different Communication Scenarios

Introduction: This section will explore diverse approaches for effectively recalling previous conversations, adapting the language based on the communication channel and audience.

Key Aspects:

• Formal Communication (Emails, Reports): Employ precise language and maintain a professional tone.
• Informal Communication (Internal Messages, Casual Meetings): A more relaxed style can be employed.
• Specific Referencing: Always clearly identify the discussed topic or decision to prevent ambiguity.

Discussion:

Formal Communication:

• Instead of: "As we discussed, the project deadline is Friday."
• Try: "Following our previous conversation, the project deadline remains Friday, October 27th." or "To reiterate our prior discussion, the project deadline is October 27th." or "In our last meeting, we agreed upon a Friday deadline for the project." or "Per our prior communication, the project's due date is Friday."

These alternatives provide more specificity and professionalism while accurately relaying the message. Note the inclusion of the date in the example. Specificity is crucial to avoid confusion.

Informal Communication:

• Instead of: "As we discussed, I'll handle the presentation."
• Try: "Remember, I'm taking care of the presentation." or "Just a quick reminder: I'll be handling the presentation." or "Following up on our chat, I'll lead the presentation."

These phrases are more suitable for casual contexts and maintain a friendly and collaborative tone.

Specific Referencing:

The key to effective communication lies in precisely referencing specific discussions.

• Instead of: "As we discussed, we need to move forward."
• Try: "Regarding the marketing strategy discussed on October 25th, we should proceed with plan A." or "Regarding the budgetary concerns raised last week, we should prioritize X and Y."

This detailed approach minimizes ambiguity and ensures that all parties are aware of the exact point being referenced.

Beyond "As We Discussed": Alternative Phrasing Options

Introduction: This section explores alternative phrases to convey the same information while enriching your communication.

Facets:

• Reiterating Agreements: "To confirm our agreement..." , "As agreed upon..." , "To recap our decision..."
• Highlighting Key Points: "To reiterate the main points from our last discussion...", "To summarize our conversation..." , "The key takeaway from our meeting was..."
• Introducing New Information Related to Past Discussions: "Building upon our previous discussion...", "Further to our conversation...", "Following up on our earlier points..."
• Requesting Clarification: "To clarify a point from our previous discussion..." , "Could we briefly revisit the discussion about..."

Summary: Using diverse phrasing prevents monotony and ensures your communication remains engaging and effective, moving beyond the repetition of "as we discussed".

Avoiding Misunderstandings and Ensuring Clarity

Introduction: This section focuses on mitigating potential communication breakdowns.

Further Analysis:

Misunderstandings often stem from vague references or inadequate context. To mitigate this, always ensure:

• Specificity: Mention the date, time, or context of the previous discussion.
• Clear Referencing: Refer to specific decisions, tasks, or details discussed.
• Contextualization: Briefly re-establish the context before referencing the discussion.

Closing: Effective communication hinges on clear and concise language. Avoiding ambiguous phrases like "as we discussed" in favor of precise and context-rich alternatives significantly reduces the risk of misunderstanding and improves overall communication effectiveness.

FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns about Summarizing Past Discussions

Introduction: This section tackles frequently asked questions about referencing previous discussions.

Questions:

1. Q: How can I reference a long discussion concisely? A: Focus on the key decisions and action items; avoid unnecessary details.
2. Q: What if the other party doesn't remember the discussion? A: Provide brief context and re-establish the key points.
3. Q: Is it unprofessional to repeat information? A: Not if it's necessary for clarity or to ensure everyone's on the same page. However, avoid overly repetitive language.
4. Q: How should I handle disagreements about what was discussed? A: Maintain a respectful tone; refer to notes or emails if possible to ensure accuracy.
5. Q: What if I need to apologize for an oversight? A: Be sincere and direct.
6. Q: How can I ensure I’m not being condescending when summarizing? A: Frame your recaps as helpful reminders, not accusations or criticisms.

Summary: Successful communication relies on clarity, precision, and professionalism. Addressing concerns and providing sufficient context helps to avoid misunderstanding.

Transition: Let's now delve into practical tips to enhance your communication skills.

Tips for Effective Follow-Up Communication

Introduction: This section provides practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of your follow-up communications.

Tips:

1. Take Notes: Maintain thorough notes during meetings and conversations.
2. Send Summaries: After significant meetings, send a brief summary email outlining key decisions and action items.
3. Use a Consistent Style: Maintain consistency in your communication style (formal or informal).
4. Be Timely: Follow up within a reasonable timeframe after the original discussion.
5. Proofread Carefully: Ensure your communications are free of errors and maintain professionalism.
6. Choose the Right Medium: Select appropriate communication channels based on the context (email, phone, in-person).
7. Seek Clarification: If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
8. Document Everything: Keep records of all important communications.

Summary: By implementing these tips, individuals can improve the clarity and professionalism of their follow-up communications.

Transition: This guide provides a thorough framework for effectively referencing past discussions.

Summary: Mastering Effective Recap Techniques

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of effectively communicating past discussions. It explored various alternative phrasings, highlighting the significance of clarity, context, and audience awareness. The guide also provided practical tips for improving follow-up communication to enhance professional relationships and productivity.

Closing Message: Mastering the art of concisely summarizing past conversations is a key skill for effective communication. By consistently applying these strategies, you can elevate your communication, fostering stronger working relationships and achieving greater efficiency. Remember, choosing the right words and framing your message correctly contributes significantly to professional success.