When you need this

Sooner or later you need something the office didn't give you: a second monitor, a headset that works, a chair that doesn't hurt your back, a laptop that's newer than your last three jobs. Asking for equipment is usually a small, formal process, a form or a ticket, and then a manager says yes or no.

A request gets approved faster when it explains the need, not the want. "I'd like a bigger screen" sounds like a treat. "I spend most of the day comparing two spreadsheets, and a second monitor would save me a lot of switching" sounds like a business reason, because it is. Mention the cost if you know it, and ask when you can expect it. Equipment is often out of stock or waiting for approval, and a polite follow-up is normal.

Phrases

formally ask for something, usually with a form

send a request through the help system

a polite way to ask for equipment

an extra screen next to your laptop

headphones with a microphone, for calls

designed to be comfortable and healthy to use

say yes to a request officially

the supplier doesn't have it yet

while you wait for something

a polite follow-up

gives the business reason

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.