Foundation · Work

Asking for help

Your goal: ask for assistance with office tasks, technology or information in a way that is polite and clear. A key skill for learning and growing at work.

Survival Phrases

Getting attention

Excuse me, do you have a minute?
Hi [Name], could I ask you something?

Stating the problem

I'm having a problem with the printer.
I don't know how to use this software.
Could you show me how to do this?

Showing gratitude

Thank you for your help.
I really appreciate it.
That's very kind of you.

Model Dialogue

Employee: Excuse me, Sarah. Do you have a moment?

Sarah: Sure, what's up?

Employee: I'm struggling with this spreadsheet. Could you help me?

Sarah: Of course. Let's take a look. Oh, you just need to click here.

Employee: Ah, I see! Thank you so much for your help.

Sarah: No problem at all.

Register: formal vs informal

Situation	Formal	Informal
Asking	Could you possibly assist me with...?	Can you help me with...?
Responding	I would be happy to help.	Sure, no problem!

Typical Mistakes

I need you help. → I need your help.
Can you make this for me? → Could you show me how to do this?

Culture Note

Don't wait too long. It's better to ask for help early than to struggle for hours.
Be specific. Tell them exactly what you are trying to do.

Practical Task

Practice asking. Think of one task you find difficult and write a sentence to ask for help.
Say thank you. Practice saying "I really appreciate your help" out loud.

Before you finish, can you…

☐ask for help politely?
☐explain a simple problem?
☐thank someone for their assistance?