SALES ENGLISH

Follow-Up Conversations in English

Master follow-up calls and emails in English. Get proven scripts, timing strategies, and phrases for persistent but professional sales follow-ups.

Practice This Pitch

Scenario Overview

You had a great demo three days ago, but the prospect hasn't responded to your follow-up email. You're calling to check in, add value, and keep the deal moving — without sounding desperate or pushy.

Framework: Value-First Follow-Up Framework

Step 1

Lead with Value, Not a Check-In

Never call just to 'check in.' Always bring something new: a relevant article, a case study, or an insight. Example: 'I came across a report that's relevant to the challenge you mentioned — thought you'd find it useful.'

Step 2

Reference the Previous Conversation

Remind them of the specific value discussed: 'Last time we spoke, you were excited about the automation feature that could save your team 20 hours per week.'

Step 3

Acknowledge Their Busy Schedule

Show empathy: 'I know you've got a lot on your plate — I just wanted to make sure this stays on your radar.'

Step 4

Ask a Specific Question

Don't leave it open-ended. Ask: 'Have you had a chance to share the proposal with your team?' This moves the conversation forward.

Step 5

Propose a Concrete Next Step

End with a clear action: 'Would it make sense to schedule a quick call on Thursday to discuss any questions your team might have?'

Key Phrases

I'm following up on our conversation from last week — I wanted to share something I think you'll find useful.

Value-first opening

neutral

I don't want to be a pest — just making sure this is still on your radar.

Acknowledging persistence

casual

Have you had a chance to review the proposal I sent over?

Checking on proposal

neutral

I came across a case study that's very relevant to your situation.

Adding value

neutral

I know you mentioned the decision would happen this week — any updates?

Checking timeline

neutral

Is there anyone else on your team who should be involved in this conversation?

Expanding contacts

formal

Would it help to schedule a brief call to address any remaining questions?

Proposing next call

formal

I'm here whenever you're ready — no pressure at all.

Low-pressure close

casual

Just a quick heads-up — the promotional pricing expires at the end of the month.

Creating urgency

neutral

I wanted to circle back on the trial — how's your team finding it so far?

Trial check-in

neutral

Pronunciation Guide

Word❌ Common Error✅ CorrectTip
follow-upFOL-low upFOL-oh upThe 'ow' in 'follow' sounds like 'oh', not 'ow' as in 'ow, that hurts'.
proposalpro-POH-salpruh-POH-zuhlThree syllables. The 's' sounds like 'z': pruh-POH-zuhl.
evaluationee-val-yoo-AY-shunih-val-yoo-AY-shunFirst syllable is a quick 'ih', not 'ee'.
vendorVEN-dorVEN-durThe ending sounds like '-dur', not '-dor'.
circle backSIR-kle backSUR-kuhl bakThe 'cle' in 'circle' sounds like 'kuhl'.

Handling Common Objections

Client Says:

I've been too busy to look at the proposal.

You Respond:

No problem at all — I know how hectic things can get. Would it help if I sent a one-page summary highlighting just the key points? That way you can review it in under two minutes.

Client Says:

We've decided to go with another vendor.

You Respond:

I appreciate you letting me know. Out of curiosity, what was the deciding factor? I'd love to learn from this — and if anything changes down the line, I'd welcome the chance to reconnect.

Client Says:

We're putting this on hold until next quarter.

You Respond:

Understood. Would it make sense to schedule a call for the first week of next quarter so we can pick up right where we left off? That way, you don't have to start the evaluation from scratch.

Client Says:

I haven't gotten buy-in from leadership yet.

You Respond:

That can be tricky. Would it help if I prepared an executive summary tailored to leadership concerns — ROI, risk mitigation, implementation timeline? Sometimes having a polished one-pager makes the internal sell much easier.

Full Example Script

YO
YouHi James, this is Ana from Acme Solutions. We spoke last Wednesday about the reporting automation. Is this a good time for a quick chat?
PR
ProspectOh, hi Ana. Yeah, I have a few minutes.
YO
YouGreat — I won't take long. Two things: first, I came across a case study from a company very similar to yours that saw a 40% reduction in report preparation time. I thought it might be useful as you evaluate options.
PR
ProspectThat sounds relevant. Can you send it over?
YO
YouAbsolutely — I'll email it right after this call. Second, I wanted to check in on the proposal. Have you had a chance to share it with your team?
PR
ProspectI shared it with my VP, but she had some questions about the integration timeline.
YO
YouWould it be helpful if I set up a quick 15-minute call with your VP and our implementation lead? They can address those questions directly and give her confidence in the timeline.
PR
ProspectThat would actually be great. Let me check her calendar.
YO
YouPerfect — I'll send a few time options. And James, I really appreciate you keeping this moving. I'm confident this is going to be a great fit.

Common Questions

How many times should I follow up before giving up?
Research shows that 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups. Most reps give up after two. Follow up 5-7 times, spacing your outreach every 3-5 business days. Each follow-up should add new value — a case study, an insight, or a relevant question.
How do I follow up without sounding desperate?
Always lead with value. Instead of 'Just checking in,' say 'I came across something relevant to our conversation and wanted to share it.' This positions you as a helpful resource, not a desperate salesperson.
What's the best time to make follow-up calls?
Research suggests Tuesday through Thursday, between 10 AM and 12 PM or 2 PM and 4 PM in the prospect's time zone. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Adjust based on your prospect's industry and role.

Close More Deals

Don't let language be a barrier. Practice your sales communication with Whisperly.

Start Practicing Now

No credit card required.