# Write a polite reminder for an overdue action or deadline

Gives you a friendly first reminder, a firmer second one, and a final notice for something someone still owes you.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Email, Write, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-a-polite-reminder-for-an-overdue-action-or-deadline

## Prompt

```text
Write a polite reminder for something someone still needs to do.

**What's pending:** [THE ACTION - e.g. "approve the budget", "submit timesheets", "send the signed contract"]
**Who owes it:** [PERSON OR GROUP, and their seniority relative to me]
**Original deadline and how it was agreed:** [DATE; email, meeting, process]
**Why it matters now:** [WHAT IS BLOCKED OR AT RISK, and the new deadline]
**What happens if it's still not done:** [REAL CONSEQUENCE - e.g. "payroll runs late", "I escalate to their manager" - or "none"]
**Reminders already sent:** [none / once / twice]
**Channel:** [email / Teams / Slack]

Write three versions I can use in sequence:
1. **Friendly nudge** - assumes good intent, restates the ask, makes it easy (link, attachment, exact step).
2. **Second reminder** - clearer about the impact and the new deadline, still courteous.
3. **Final notice** - firm and factual: what happens if it isn't done by the date, and who else will be informed, if relevant.

Rules for each:
- The ask and the deadline in the first two lines; put the date in bold.
- Under 90 words. No guilt-tripping, sarcasm, or "per my last email".
- If it's a group reminder, make it work without singling anyone out.
- Use only the consequence I gave; never invent or exaggerate one. If I gave none, keep the final notice to the new deadline and the impact.

Also suggest when to send each one, and whether the final notice should copy anyone.
```

## What to fill in

- PERSON OR GROUP, and their seniority relative to me
- DATE; email, meeting, process
- WHAT IS BLOCKED OR AT RISK, and the new deadline
- none / once / twice
- email / Teams / Slack

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.