Scripts for communicating delays honestly and professionally, whether the delay is on you, on them, or on a third party.
Use this when the delay is your fault. Your team missed a deadline, you underestimated the work, or something on your side did not go as planned. Own it completely. Do not make excuses. Clients forgive honesty far more than they forgive spin.
Use this when the delay is caused by a third party you both depend on, such as a developer, a printer, a platform provider, or a supplier. Explain the situation factually and present the workaround or adjusted plan.
Use this when the client is the reason for the delay, but you need to say it without damaging the relationship. Be factual, not accusatory. Reference specific dates and items. The goal is to get what you need, not to win an argument.
Use this when you need more time and want to formally request an extension. Frame it around quality, not around your capacity. Clients care about getting great work. Use that to your advantage.
Use this to present a full updated schedule after a delay has been confirmed. Replace the old timeline with a new one and make sure the client has complete clarity on what to expect going forward.