Speaking · Free lesson
Project English: add it or replace it?
A stakeholder says, “Could we have a dashboard?” You need to know what happens to the report the team already produces.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Ask: “Do you want the dashboard in addition to the weekly report, or instead of it?” In addition to means keep both. Instead of means the dashboard replaces the report in the stated context. Do not treat a clarification as approval of extra time or cost.
Ask what stays and what changes.
Name both deliverables in your question. “Do you want this too?” can leave this unclear. Offer the two meanings without assuming either: in addition to the report, or instead of the report. After the answer, repeat the resulting scope in plain words. Keep timing, effort, and approval as separate points if they have not been settled.
Compare the examples
Is the dashboard in addition to the weekly report, or instead of it?
So we would keep the weekly report and add the dashboard.
So the dashboard would replace the weekly report.
Replace the weekly report does not mean cancel every report the team produces. Preserve the named scope.
Build the meaning step by step
Name the new request
the dashboard
Name the current deliverable
the weekly report
Ask the relationship
in addition to it, or instead of it?
Try it now
Keep the scope accurate
Read all answers and explanations
“We want the dashboard in addition to the report.” What remains?
Both the dashboard and report are wanted.In addition to keeps the report and adds the dashboard.
“Use the dashboard instead of the weekly report.” Choose the faithful recap.
The dashboard replaces the weekly report.Instead of replaces the named weekly report, not every report forever.
The stakeholder clarified an addition but said nothing about the deadline. What can you conclude?
The requested relationship is clear; timing still needs discussion.Clarifying scope does not settle timing or approval.
Put it into practice
Clarify the stakeholder’s request
You coordinate the project. The current deliverable is a weekly written report. Clarify the change before promising work.
- Jordan
Could we use a dashboard for the weekly update?
See a model answer
- Jordan
Could we use a dashboard for the weekly update?
- You
Do you want the dashboard in addition to the weekly report, or instead of it?
- Jordan
Instead of the weekly report. We do not need both.
- You
Understood. The dashboard would replace the weekly report. Let’s discuss timing next.
A clarification question checks meaning. A recap confirms it without silently committing to cost or timing.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I say as well as?
Yes, for an addition. Keep both deliverables named so the listener knows what stays.
Do you want the dashboard as well as the weekly report?
Is asking this a refusal?
No. It checks the meaning of the request. You can discuss feasibility after you understand the requested change.
Once I understand the scope, I can check the effort with the team.
Take it into your day
Clarify addition versus replacement, then repeat the named scope.
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