Are you trying to let someone know you need to talk to them?
However, you’re a bit worried that “we need to talk” is rude or problematic, right?
Well, we’re here to help you understand a bit more about how it works.
This article will teach you how to say “we need to talk” in an email or other situations.
Is It Okay to Say “We Need to Talk”?
It is not okay to say “we need to talk” in most cases. It’s a scary phrase that often leads people to believe the worst of a situation before you actually get a chance to talk to them.
It’s not polite, but it can work in professional contexts. However, we always recommend providing a bit more of an explanation when saying something like this.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn how to say “we need to talk” without scaring someone:
Dear Jonathan,
We need to talk about this project, as I have some positive feedback.
Would you be free to meet next Friday?
All the best,
Suzie Bradshaw
Pros
- It’s a decent way to indicate that you need someone’s attention.
- It can work in professional emails.
Cons
- It’s quite scary and can cause the recipient to worry about what you want to say.
- It needs more of an explanation and doesn’t work well on its own.
So, it’s clear that “we need to talk” isn’t the best phrase to use in your writing. Therefore, it’s time to explore some alternatives to see what else might work.
Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “we need to talk.” We’ve gathered a list of some great synonyms to help you. Feel free to choose the ones that work best!
What to Say Instead of “We Need to Talk”
- Could we have a conversation as soon as possible?
- I’d like to discuss something important with you
- Is it possible for us to sit down and chat
- I’d like to clear something up that’s been on my mind
- Can we find some time to talk about a few things?
- Do you have a moment to discuss some matters?
- I was wondering if you’d be happy to discuss something with me
- I’d like to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you
- Could we schedule some time to talk soon?
1. Could We Have a Conversation as Soon as Possible?
You can start by asking “could we have a conversation as soon as possible?”
This is a great question that allows you to stay formal and respectful. It suggests that you’d like to meet with someone soon to discuss an important matter.
Also, using “as soon as possible” shows you respect their schedule. So, it implies that you’re writing to your boss or someone you know might be too busy to answer straight away.
Here’s a great email sample to show you more about it if you still need help:
Dear Ms. Mackintosh,
I have discovered something very important about the project we’re working on.
Could we have a conversation as soon as possible?
All the best,
Marty Blank
2. I’d Like to Discuss Something Important With You
Next, we recommend writing “I’d like to discuss something important with you.”
It’s another way to say “we need to talk” that suggests you cannot wait to tell someone something important.
Generally, this keeps things formal and sincere. It shows someone needs to listen to what you have to say because it’s “important.”
Try using it when emailing a client. It lets them know roughly what to expect from you.
Also, here’s an email example to show you more about it:
Dear Ms. Tomkins,
I’d like to discuss something important with you as soon as possible.
Please let me know when you might be free to do this.
All the best,
Joey Moore
3. Is It Possible for Us to Sit Down and Chat
One of the more conversational alternatives to “we need to talk” is “is it possible for us to sit down and chat.”
This is great to use in friendly situations. It shows that you’d like to discuss something that is relevant to the other party as soon as possible.
It’s also far less scary than “we need to talk.” That’s what makes it such a good choice in most written cases when texting loved ones.
Here are some great message samples to help you:
Is it possible for us to sit down and chat at some point? I think we need to discuss what comes next.
Is it possible for us to sit down and chat? I’d like to know where your head is at regarding this.
4. I’d Like to Clear Something Up That’s Been on My Mind
You should also try “I’d like to clear something up that’s been on my mind.” It’s formal and concise, making it clear that you need someone to listen to you.
Generally, you can use this when writing to your boss. It suggests that you’ve been thinking about something for a while, and you’d like them to hear what you have to say.
For the most part, this is a great way to engage your boss quickly. It shows you mean business, and you’d appreciate it if they listened.
Here is a great sample email to help if you still need it:
Dear Miss Jones,
I’d like to clear something up that’s been on my mind.
Please let me know when you have spare time so we can discuss this.
Yours,
Benjamin Clarkson
5. Can We Find Some Time to Talk About a Few Things?
Next, you can write “can we find some time to talk about a few things” instead of “we need to talk.”
After all, it suggests that you have a few things on your mind that you’d like to run by someone.
Generally, this works best when messaging a romantic partner.
It shows that there are a couple of things on your mind. “A few things” also makes the phrase less scary, as it suggests there isn’t just one major thing bringing you down that needs discussing.
Feel free to review these examples to learn a bit more about how it works:
Can we find some time to talk about a few things? I’d really like to meet soon to discuss what’s on my mind.
Can we find some time to talk about a few things later in the week? Don’t worry; it’s nothing bad!
6. Do You Have a Moment to Discuss Some Matters?
You can also go for something a bit more professional by writing “do you have a moment to discuss some matters?”
This question works well if you’re trying to be polite and friendly. It shows you’re happy to have a chat with someone, but you need to approach it on a more formal level.
You can write this when contacting a client. It shows you need to discuss something about a project with them.
So, you can check out this example to learn more:
Dear Miss James,
I’d like to run you through a few of the ideas I have for this project.
Do you have a moment to discuss some matters?
Yours,
Evie Foster
7. I Was Wondering if You’d Be Happy to Discuss Something With Me
Also, it’s smart to write “I was wondering if you’d be happy to discuss something with me.”
This works well as a more formal and polite phrase. It shows you’re interested in getting to know someone’s schedule to see whether they’re free for a meeting or discussion.
So, you can use this when writing to your boss. It’s a chance for you to open up and let them know that there are a few things you need to say.
Also, you can check out this email sample to learn more:
Dear Mrs. Whitehead,
I was wondering if you’d be happy to discuss something with me when you have a moment.
Please let me know when works best for you.
Yours,
Gregory Bennett
8. I’d Like to Have a Heart-To-Heart Conversation With You
It’s also good to write “I’d like to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you.” Of course, this one doesn’t belong in professional situations.
Instead, this one works in private and loving situations. So, you can use it when writing to a romantic partner.
It lets them know that you need to open up about something. It’s worth including it in a text message to show that you need their attention.
Here are some message samples to help you with it:
I’d like to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you soon. Do you think you’d be okay with that?
I’d like to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you. I have to get a few things off my chest.
9. Could We Schedule Some Time to Talk Soon?
Finally, you can use “could we schedule some time to talk soon” as a formal way to say “we need to talk.”
It shows you respect someone’s busy schedule, but you also need to meet with them.
We recommend it when contacting your boss. It lets them know you’re happy to wait but you’d like to meet up as soon as possible.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more:
Dear Ms. Darkness,
Could we schedule some time to talk soon?
I’d like to run a few ideas by you if that’s okay.
All the best,
Hannah Bless