Stop ‘just following up’—to get responses ASAP, use these ‘powerful messages,’ says communication expert
You’ve had a great call. Everyone’s on board. Then you send the follow-up email...and you’re met with silence.
You follow up again. More silence.
We’ve all experienced some version of this, whether it’s after a job interview, a networking request, or a sales conversation.
As a keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and author of Unforgettable Presence, I work with highly accomplished professionals — from executives to rising leaders — to help them communicate with confidence.
And I know that while a polite “just following up” might feel safe, it’s often not enough to cut through the noise of a busy inbox.
If you’re tired of being ignored, here’s how to make your follow-ups impossible to overlook (in a good way):
1️⃣ . Set the Next Step Before You Hang Up
One of the easiest ways to avoid ghosting is to schedule the next interaction before the current one ends.
When you close with, “We’ll figure out next steps over email,” it’s too easy for the other person to deprioritize you.
Instead, try:
-
“Let’s touch base next Friday. I can send an invite—when’s good?”
-
“I’ll draft the proposal this week, and we can reconnect early next week. Does Monday or Tuesday work?”
-
“If I send the draft by 5 p.m. today, would you be able to share comments by Thursday morning?”
Even if you have to adjust the date later, it’s much harder to ignore a meeting on the calendar than an email in the inbox.
2️⃣ Lead with Clarity, Purpose, and a Positive Tone
“Just following up” may sound friendly, but it’s indirect and easy to dismiss as non-urgent.
Even worse, using minimizing words like “just” subtly tells the other person your message isn’t that important.
Instead, be clear, direct, and confident. For example:
-
“Following up on the speaker proposal I sent—hoping to confirm next steps by Friday so I can hold the date.”
-
“I wanted to ask if there’s any additional information I can provide to support your decision on [X situation].”
-
“I’m excited to move forward on this project and wanted to check where things stand on your end.”
Clarity + purpose = fewer ignored emails.
3️⃣ Give Them a Reason to Reply
Often, people aren’t ignoring you—they just don’t have an answer yet. But instead of ghosting you, they should tell you that.
Make it easy for them. Ask clear, direct questions that invite any reply, even if it’s “Not right now.”
For example:
-
“Would next week be a better time to reconnect?”
-
“Is this still a priority on your end?”
And when appropriate, reference a time constraint to create urgency:
-
“We’re finalizing our list by Friday. Can you let me know by then if this is still of interest?”
-
“I wanted to give you a chance to include your response before our meeting schedule closes next week.”
4️⃣ Use LinkedIn as a Strategic Reminder
If you’re still getting radio silence, try showing up in their world.
Engage with their recent LinkedIn post. Leave a thoughtful comment. Like something they shared.
This is a subtle but effective reminder without cluttering their inbox.
⚠️ Pro tip: Don’t spam their DMs with “sent you an email!” Instead, offer genuine value in your interactions.
5️⃣ Don’t Be Afraid to (Politely) Reach Out Again
Silence doesn’t necessarily mean no. More often, it means your message got buried under other priorities.
A professional, friendly nudge is not only acceptable—it’s often appreciated.
When you follow up:
✅ Use a clear, relevant subject line
✅ Be direct about what you’re hoping for
✅ Avoid apologizing. No more “Sorry to bother you...” — you’re not bothering them. You’re being proactive.
6️⃣ Change Tacks and Add Updates
If you’ve already followed up once, don’t just resend the same email with “bumping this up.”
Instead, move the conversation forward. Add new info or context. For example:
-
“We’ve updated the proposal to include your feedback. Happy to walk through the changes.”
-
“Since our last conversation, we’ve secured buy-in from the team. Would love to hear your thoughts.”
New information gives them a reason to re-engage—and shows you’re making progress even without their reply.
Following up doesn’t have to feel awkward. And you don’t have to settle for silence.
With a few small shifts—from clearer language to better timing—you can turn those ignored emails into productive, professional conversations.
You’ll waste less time chasing people, get more done, and show up as the confident, effective communicator you are.