Asking & Giving Simple Information
Master the art of clear workplace communication
Introduction
In professional settings, asking for and giving simple information is one of the most frequent forms of communication. Whether you’re looking for a meeting room, asking about lunch break times, or seeking directions to a department, clear and polite communication ensures efficiency and builds positive workplace relationships.
Asking for Simple Information
When you need basic information, use clear and direct questions. Here are the most common question patterns:
Common Question Structures
- Where is/are…? — For locations
- When is/does…? — For times and schedules
- What time…? — For specific times
- Who is…? — For people and roles
- How do I…? — For instructions
“Where’s the meeting room?”
“When does the presentation start?”
“What time is lunch?”
“Who is the project manager for this account?”
“How do I access the shared drive?”
Adding Politeness
In professional contexts, it’s important to be polite. You can soften your questions by adding:
- Excuse me, + question
- Could you tell me + question word + subject + verb
- Do you know + question word + subject + verb
“Excuse me, where’s the conference room?”
“Could you tell me when the meeting starts?”
“Do you know what time the office closes?”
Giving Simple Information
When someone asks you for information, respond clearly and helpfully. Here’s how to structure your responses:
Direct Responses
Answer the question directly with the information requested:
Q: “Where’s the meeting room?”
A: “It’s on the third floor, room 301.”
Q: “When does lunch start?”
A: “Lunch break is from 12:30 to 1:30.”
Q: “Who do I contact for IT support?”
A: “You should contact Sarah in the IT department, extension 245.”
When You Don’t Know
If you don’t have the information, be honest and helpful:
- “I’m not sure, but you could ask [person].”
- “I don’t know, sorry. Try checking [resource].”
- “Let me find out for you.”
Be specific: “Third floor, room 301” is better than “upstairs.”
Offer extra help: “It’s down the hall on your left. I can show you if you’d like.”
Confirm understanding: “Did you find it okay?” or “Does that make sense?”
Check Your Understanding
Test what you’ve learned about asking and giving simple information. Check your answer after each question!
