Action Request:

Hi Jatinder,

I was wondering if you would be able to take my shift at Pizza Pizza on Thursday evening. I am scheduled to work at 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm. I forgot to book the day off and will be writing a final exam for one of my courses during my shift.

Please let me know if you can cover my shift as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Paul

Questions:

1. Provide one possible Buffer (appreciation, good news, common ground, compliment)
2. Provide one reasonable/meaningful explanation
3. Say 'NO' - Be sensitive in your delivery and try using the passive voice, or implying the bad news, or putting the bad news in a longer sentence
4. Provide one possible alternative or suggestion