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Following Up Without Being Annoying
The follow-up problem
You sent a proposal. No reply. French instinct: wait politely or call directly. English approach: a well-timed, well-worded follow-up email. The trick is following up without sounding desperate, pushy, or passive-aggressive.
First follow-up (3-5 days after)
Je fais juste un point concernant la proposition envoyée la semaine dernière.
→ Light, helpful, no pressure. "Checking in" is your default follow-up phrase.
Je voulais m assurer que ça ne s est pas perdu dans votre boîte.
Gives them an excuse. They are not ignoring you — they are just busy.
Second follow-up (1 week later)
Suite à mon précédent email. Serait-il utile de planifier un appel rapide ?
Adds value — you are offering to make it easier for them, not just chasing.
Final follow-up (2 weeks later)
Je comprends que vous êtes occupé. Je vous laisse ceci — n hésitez pas quand le moment sera opportun.
Graceful exit. Keeps the door open without chasing further.
Adding value in follow-ups
Je suis tombé sur cet article en lien avec notre discussion — ça pourrait vous intéresser.
Follow-up disguised as helpfulness. You stay on their radar without nagging.
Common mistakes
"Did you receive my email?" — passive-aggressive. They received it. "I am waiting for your response" — sounds impatient. "As per my previous email" — universally hated. Use "Just checking in" or "Following up" — neutral and professional.
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Fix these French-influenced restaurant phrases:
- ‘I take the salmon, please.’
- ‘Can we have the addition?’
- ‘I am allergic at nuts.’
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