[335] Talking About Deadlines (Without Sounding Stressed)
Deadlines don’t have to be stressful! In this episode, I share clear, polite, and professional ways to talk about deadlines at work – whether you’re setting one, asking about one, or running late. I’ll also tell you a funny story about Carlos and his last-minute panic. Plus, practise with me in the ‘Repeat After Me’ segment.
In the meantime, ready to improve your English speaking skills?
https://www.englishmadesimple.net/learn-with-me
Download your free gift here:
How to Spell Your Name in English with Confidence
https://www.englishmadesimple.net/spellmyname
Also, check out my YouTube Channel here:
Enjoy :)
Don’t forget to do the Listener Survey? Follow the link below.
***LINK TO THE SURVEY: www.englishmadesimple.net/survey
Buy Episode Transcripts for $10 and support the EMS show!
Related Episodes & Mentioned Links
100+ Episode transcripts all in one place – Support the Show! – click here to support the EMS show – only $10
YouTube Channel – Short and Sweet Lessons
Full Transcript (Talking About Deadlines)
Hola amigos y amigas! You’re listening to the English Made Simple Show!
This is episode number 335 (three-three-five), number three hundred and thirty-five, número trescientos treinta y cinco.
Welcome back, amigos y amigas! It’s your host, Milena from englishmadesimple.net, and I’m thrilled to be back with another episode of the English Made Simple Show.
Today’s topic is something that comes up a lot at work – especially if you work in an English-speaking environment.
We’re going to learn how to talk about deadlines in English – and more importantly, how to do it without sounding too stressed or panicked.
Because let’s face it – deadlines can be stressful enough as it is, right? So today, I’ll help you sound calm, clear, and professional, whether you’re setting a deadline, reminding someone about one, or just trying to manage your time better in English.
First of All… What Is a Deadline?
A deadline is simply a due date. It’s the final day something needs to be finished. You’ll hear this word used a lot at work.
“The deadline for this report is Friday.”
“We’ve got a tight deadline.”
“Can we extend the deadline?”
Deadlines can be short or long, urgent or flexible – but how you talk about them matters.
Don’t Be a Stress Ball
You know how some people talk about deadlines in a really dramatic way?
“I’m dying with this deadline!”
“We’re never going to finish!”
“This is impossible!”
Now, those are fun to say when you’re chatting with friends, but in a professional environment, you want to sound more… in control.
So let’s go through some natural, polite, and professional ways to talk about deadlines — without freaking out.
Useful Phrases to Talk About Deadlines
Here are some expressions you can use:
Setting a deadline
- “We need this done by Friday.”
- “The target date is the end of the month.”
- “Can we aim for next Wednesday?”
Asking about a deadline
- “What’s the timeline for this?”
- “When is this due?”
- “Do we have a deadline for this task?”
Talking about delays (politely!)
- “We might need a bit more time on this.”
- “Can we push the deadline back a few days?”
- “We’re running slightly behind schedule.”
Notice how these don’t sound dramatic — they’re polite and professional.
Quick Story Time
Let me tell you what happened to Carlos recently. He had a deadline for a report due on Monday.
So on Friday afternoon, what does he do? He starts binge-watching a new TV series instead. He tells himself, “I’ll just watch one episode…”
Four hours later, he’s five episodes in, and the deadline is nowhere near being met.
On Monday morning, he messages Ana:
Carlos: “Hey Ana… any chance we can extend the deadline?”
And Ana says:
Ana: “Carlos… you’ve had two weeks to do this. You’re dreaming, mate.” 😅
Don’t be like Carlos, amigos y amigas!
How to Sound Calm Under Pressure
Even when you’re stressed, you can still sound cool and professional in English.
Here are some softeners you can use when talking about time pressure:
- “We’re on a tight timeline, but I think we can manage.”
- “It’s a bit of a stretch, but we’ll try our best.”
- “Let’s prioritise and tackle the urgent bits first.”
These phrases show you’re aware of the deadline, but not falling apart. Very important when working with international teams.
What If You Need to Chase Someone?
If you’re waiting for someone else to finish something, you can use these gentle reminders:
- “Just checking in — do you have an update on this?”
- “Let me know if you need any support to meet the deadline.”
- “Is everything on track for the Friday deadline?”
Again – clear, professional, and not annoying.
Repeat After Me
Alright amigos y amigas, time for our Repeat After Me segment. Let’s practise three useful phrases you can use right away. I’ll say them slowly — and you can repeat after me:
- “Can we aim for next Wednesday?”
- “We’re running slightly behind schedule.”
- “Just checking in — do you have an update on this?”
Well done!
If you’re working in an English-speaking environment or planning to, I can help you feel more confident with workplace English — including meetings, deadlines, and emails. Just head to englishmadesimple.net/learn-with-me to start learning with me.
You’ve been jamming with Milena, keep practising, amigos y amigas, stay cool, and keep in touch. Until next time, hasta la próxima!
To continue reading, click to buy transcripts. Your English listening skills will improve faster, plus you’ll be supporting the EMS podcast!
Do you want access to 100+ episode transcripts?
EMS Listeners Love Reading Transcripts
Milena Vujnic
Podcast Host
Milena is the host of the English Made Simple Podcast and is passionate about helping motivated English learners break their fear of speaking English so they can confidently make conversation and be understood by other English-speakers.
Milena lives in Australia with her Chileno husband and loves anything podcasting and online coaching and is honoured to be supporting and guiding immigrants from all over the world with her products, programs and coaching services.
Click here to learn more about how you can work with Milena.