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Guide

Postpone appointment: Formulations and diplomacy for appointment cancellations

Dominik Rapacki
CEO @meetergo
2 minutes reading time
Table of contents
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Reschedule appointment: A guide to diplomatic appointment rescheduling

In everyday working life, it can often happen that an agreed appointment has to be postponed. This may be necessary due to unforeseen events, such as a sudden business trip or illness at short notice. In such cases, it is important to formulate the postponement diplomatically and carefully so as not to impair the business relationship.

Why is the wording important?

The way you phrase a cancellation or rescheduling of an appointment can have a big impact on how your business partner perceives you. A well-worded rescheduling shows respect for the other person's time and commitments and helps avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

How do I formulate a postponement?

There are no hard and fast rules for wording a rescheduled appointment, but there are some general guidelines that can help you craft your message effectively and diplomatically.

Be honest and direct

It is important to be honest and direct when you need to reschedule. Avoid excuses and be clear in your communication. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm afraid I have to reschedule our appointment."

Offer alternative dates

If you postpone an appointment, you should always suggest at least one alternative date. This shows that you value the appointment and the other person's time and are willing to find a solution.

Be polite and respectful

Even if you have to reschedule, it is important to remain polite and respectful. Thank the other person for their understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.

Mustervorlagen "Termin verschieben"

Here are some sample templates that can help you formulate a deadline postponement:

  1. "Dear Mr./Mrs. [name], Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am sorry to have to postpone our meeting on [date]. I suggest that we meet on [new date] instead. I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding."
  2. "Dear [Name], Unfortunately, I have to cancel our scheduled appointment. I hope we can find a new date. How about [new date] or [alternative date]? I am sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your flexibility."
  3. "Dear Mr./Mrs. [name], Due to a sudden business trip, I'm afraid I have to postpone our appointment on [date]. Could we meet on [new date] instead? I apologize for the last-minute change and thank you for your understanding."
Situation Suggested wording
Unforeseen events "Due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm afraid I'm going to have to reschedule our appointment."
Business trip "Due to a sudden business trip, I'm afraid I'm going to have to reschedule our appointment."
Disease "Due to a sudden illness, I'm afraid I have to postpone our appointment."
Personal obligations "Due to personal commitments, I'm afraid I'm going to have to reschedule our appointment."

Template 1: Move appointment

Subject: Request for postponement

Dear Hans-Peter,

Unfortunately, I have fallen ill at short notice and cannot keep our agreed appointment on xx.xx.xxxx. I deeply regret this situation, as our appointment was important to me.

Would it be possible to postpone the date? I suggest xx.xx.xxxx as an alternative date. I hope that this date will be equally convenient for you.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility in this matter. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Sincerely yours,

[Your Name]

Template 2: Cancel Interview

Subject: Rejection job interview

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for the invitation to the interview. Unfortunately, I have to inform you that I cannot attend the appointment on xx.xx.xxxx due to time constraints.

I understand the urgency and the great importance of this conversation and it is not easy for me to make this decision. I hope that my counterpart has understanding for my situation.

Could we please reschedule the interview? I will do my best to call you back as soon as possible to arrange a new appointment.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely yours,

[Your Name]

Template 3: Postpone business meeting

Subject: Request for postponement

Dear Business Partner,

Unfortunately, I have to inform you that I will not be able to keep our agreed appointment on xx.xx.xxxx. This decision is not easy for me, as I very much appreciate the priority and importance of our meeting.

I understand that this news may be unexpected for you and I ask that you treat this information with diplomacy. It is important to me that you know that this decision was not made lightly and that your understanding in this situation is greatly appreciated.

As a proposed date for our appointment, I would suggest xx.xx.xxxx. I hope that this date is equally suitable for you and that we can conduct our conversation in a calm and constructive atmosphere.

Please let me know if this appointment is okay with you. I will do my best to reply to you as soon as possible to confirm our appointment time.

Thank you for your understanding and I look forward to our future cooperation.

Sincerely yours,

[Your Name]

Automation of appointment rescheduling with meetergo

In today's digital world, there are innovative solutions that help us manage our daily tasks more efficiently. One such solution is meetergo, an automated appointment management system. With meetergo, you can easily manage appointment cancellations and postponements without any inconvenience.

How does meetergo work?

With meetergo, you can send a request for rescheduling in just a few clicks. All you have to do is enter the reason for the postponement, select a proposed alternative date and send the request. meetergo takes care of the rest.

It sends a professionally worded email to your business partner explaining the situation and asking for understanding of the postponement. It also offers a suggested alternative date and asks for feedback.

Advantages of meetergo

Using meetergo offers many advantages. First, it allows you to handle appointment rescheduling calmly and diplomatically. You don't have to worry that canceling an appointment will make you seem rude or that your business partner will find the cancellation unpleasant.

Second, meetergo saves you time. Instead of sending several emails back and forth to make a new appointment, you can complete the entire process with just a few clicks.

meetergo also sends automated appointment reminders so that no more appointments are missed.

Third, meetergo helps you stay professional. It ensures that your appointment cancellations are worded carefully and that you always offer a clear reason and an alternative appointment.

Take a look at our free online appointment booking solution and see for yourself.

Appointment postponement in the interview

A postponement in the context of a job interview can be particularly sensitive, as it can affect the first impression. It is important to communicate the rescheduled appointment as early as possible and remain polite and professional. Always offer alternative dates and show your willingness to reschedule if possible.

Appointment rescheduling by phone or e-mail

The way you communicate a rescheduled appointment often depends on the medium you use. With a phone appointment cancellation, you have the opportunity to respond directly to the other person's questions or concerns. With an email appointment cancellation, you have more time to choose your words carefully, and the recipient has the opportunity to read and process your message at their leisure.

Important reasons for a postponement

There are many reasons why a rescheduled appointment may be necessary. Some of the most common reasons are:

  • Unforeseen events or emergencies
  • Illness or health problems
  • Business trips or other professional commitments
  • Personal commitments or conflicts

It is important to clearly and honestly communicate the reason for the rescheduled appointment to avoid misunderstandings and to promote the other person's understanding.

Cancel an appointment

Canceling an appointment can be a delicate matter, especially if it is an important business meeting or job interview. It is important to phrase the cancellation in a way that is professional and respectful so as not to damage the relationship with your business partner or potential employer. In our article you will find detailed information and practical tips on how to formulate a cancellation of an appointment.

Conclusion

Rescheduling an appointment can be challenging, but with the right wording and respectful treatment of the other person, it can be handled effectively and without negatively impacting the business relationship. Always remember to be honest and direct, offer alternative dates, and remain polite and respectful.

FAQs

How do I formulate a postponement?

Be honest and direct, offer alternative appointments, and remain polite and respectful.

How do I communicate a rescheduled appointment in the interview?

Inform as early as possible, remain polite and professional, and always offer alternative appointments.‍

What are common reasons for rescheduling?

Unforeseen events or emergencies, illness or health problems, business travel or other work commitments, and personal obligations or conflicts are common reasons.

How do I communicate a rescheduled appointment by phone or email?

When canceling an appointment by phone, you can respond directly to questions or concerns. With an email cancellation, you have more time to choose your words carefully, and the recipient has the opportunity to read and process your message at their leisure.

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