What to say instead of “can we speed up the process”
Why it can fall flat
“can we speed up the process”
The word “speed” can sound like you're blaming whoever runs the process, and “up” gives no sense of what should change or by when. Usually you want a faster result, with a clear reason and a specific next step.
Say this instead
- 01
Could we move this up? The deadline is Friday, so I'd like to cut review to one round. Would that work for you?
Boss · Chat
Use this when you have a firm deadline, since it gives a reason and a concrete change for your boss to approve.
- 02
Is there a way to get this done sooner? If I had the figures by noon, I could start on the report this afternoon.
Coworker · Chat
This suits a colleague whose input you depend on, because it names exactly what would make things faster.
- 03
We'd like to bring sign-off forward if possible. Could you tell me what would help you approve by Thursday?
Client · Email
Try it when the client's approval is the slow step, since it asks what they need instead of pushing.
- 04
Let's see where we can shorten this. Which step is taking the most time, and what would help you get through it faster?
Someone you manage · Chat
Good for someone you manage, because it invites them to name the blocker instead of feeling rushed.
- 05
I'm working to a timeline on my side, so a quicker schedule would help. Could we bring the next interview forward?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Choose this when you want a faster hiring process without naming other offers or applying pressure.
- 06
Hi Tanvi, could you send your documents by Wednesday? That would let us finish your order sooner. Thanks.
Customer · SMS
Short and friendly, it links one clear action from the customer to a faster outcome.
- 07
Could we shorten the approval step for this one? One reviewer might be enough to meet the checks. Happy to talk it through.
Boss · Email
Pick this when you have a specific change in mind and want your boss to weigh in before you act.
- 08
Hi Reese, any chance you can send the files today? It would unblock the next step. Thanks!
Coworker · SMS
Fits a quick nudge by text when one item is holding up everything else.
Examples
Hi Priscilla, The vendor contract is currently scheduled for legal review next Monday. Could we ask for it to be looked at by Thursday instead? Our launch date is the 20th, and an earlier review would leave room for any changes. Let me know if I should contact the legal team directly. Thanks, Frankie
Hi Jordan, is there a way to get the invoice approvals done by Wednesday instead of Friday? Finance is waiting on them to close the month. Tell me if I can help.
What to avoid
- Asking in a way that implies the other person is slow, such as “why is this taking so long”, will put them on the defensive.
- A request for speed with no reason or date leaves people with nothing to act on.
- Promising a faster result on someone else's behalf before they've agreed will cause trouble later.
- Leaving out the specific step or input that would make things quicker makes your request vague.
- “ASAP” as your only deadline tells people nothing about when you actually need it.