How to reschedule meeting - Email Template & Guide

BY
Dima Eremin
in
Business
Jun 27, 2024

Reschedule meetings email: guide & email template ✅ Learn how to effectively reschedule meetings with our expert tips and customizable email template

How to reschedule meeting - Email Template & Guide
How to reschedule meeting - Email Template & Guide

Rescheduling meeting emails can be tricky, but they don't have to be stressful. This guide will walk you through crafting a clear, concise, and courteous email that minimizes disruption for everyone involved.

We'll explore the key components you need to include, from crafting a clear subject line to proposing alternative times. Learn valuable tips for maintaining a professional tone while effectively explaining the situation. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped to write reschedule meeting emails that are respectful of everyone's time and ensure a smooth transition for meeting attendees to the new meeting date.

Reasons To Reschedule A Meeting

There are various reasons why you might need to reschedule a meeting, including:

  1. Scheduling conflicts: Another meeting or commitment overlaps with the planned meeting time.
  2. Unexpected events: Emergencies or unforeseen events that require immediate attention.
  3. Health issues: Illness or medical appointments that cannot be postponed.
  4. Technical issues: Problems with technology, such as internet outages or malfunctioning equipment, that prevent participation in the meeting.
  5. Preparation time: Need for additional time to prepare for the meeting to ensure a productive discussion.
  6. Travel delays: Delays or cancellations in travel plans, especially if the meeting is in person.
  7. Workload: An unexpectedly high volume of work or urgent deadlines that need to be prioritized.
  8. Personal reasons: Personal matters that require your attention.
  9. Participant availability: Key participants or stakeholders are unavailable at the scheduled time.
  10. Changes in priorities: New priorities or changes in the agenda that require rescheduling to accommodate new plans.

How to Craft A Proper Reschedule Meeting Email

Here are the basics of creating your very own rescheduled meeting email.

Start with a clear subject line

A clear subject line ensures the recipient immediately understands the purpose of your email whether it be a business meeting or a one-on-one. This helps them prioritize reading it, especially a person's time, if they are busy or receive many emails. For instance, a direct subject line like "Request to Reschedule Meeting Scheduled to Accommodate Urgent Project Review" clearly states what the email is about and grabs their attention quickly.

Provide an apology and a credible reason

Apologizing shows that you respect the recipient's time and understand the inconvenience your request may cause for the postponed meeting. For example, "I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but I have an unexpected client meeting that requires my immediate attention."

Providing a specific and credible reason for the rescheduling, such as personal emergency such as a conflict with another meeting or an unexpected personal matter, makes your request seem reasonable and not arbitrary.

Propose an alternative meeting date and time

Offering alternative dates and times demonstrates that you are considerate of the recipient’s schedule and committed to making the meeting happen. This approach makes it easier for the recipient to choose a new time, speeding up the rescheduling process.

For example, "Could we possibly reschedule to one of the following times: Monday, June 3rd at 10 AM; Tuesday, June 4th at 3 PM; or Thursday, June 6th at 2 PM?" Providing multiple options shows flexibility and willingness to accommodate their availability.

Notify everyone as soon as possible

Informing all participants about the need to reschedule as soon as you know about it minimizes disruption of other person's time and allows them to adjust their plans accordingly. Early notification shows that you are considerate of their schedules and helps avoid potential conflicts with other commitments they might have.

Find the right balance in tone

Using a balanced tone ensures your email is polite and respectful without being too formal or too casual with postponed meetings. This helps maintain a positive relationship and ensures your message is received well. A balanced tone shows professionalism and empathy, which are important in any professional communication.

Personalize the email

Personalizing the email adds a human touch and shows that you value the recipient as an individual. Mentioning specific details about your interactions or the meeting topic can make the email feel more sincere and less like a generic message rather than just saying it was unforeseen circumstances.

Show appreciation

Expressing gratitude acknowledges the recipient’s understanding and flexibility. It helps maintain goodwill and reinforces a positive relationship. Thanking them for their cooperation and understanding shows that you appreciate their time and effort, making future interactions more pleasant and smoother for other attendees.

Call the recipient if needed

Offering to discuss the matter further over the phone shows that you are committed to resolving any issues the reschedule or unexpected event might cause in your professional life. It demonstrates a willingness to accommodate their needs and provides a direct line for more urgent communication.

Email Template To Reschedule Meetings

Here is a simple template to use as a guide:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Meeting

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances[reason for rescheduling meeting conflict, e.g., a scheduling conflict, an urgent matter], I am unable to attend our scheduled meeting on [original date and time] and would like to reschedule a meeting time.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to propose rescheduling the next meeting. I am available on the following dates and times:

  • [Option 1: New date and time]
  • [Option 2: New date and time]
  • [Option 3: New date and time]

Please let me know if any of these options are convenient for you, or suggest propose alternative dates and times that suit your schedule. I am committed to finding a suitable time to meet and discuss [purpose of the meeting].

Thank you so much for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]

Email Templates Example To Reschedule A Meeting

Here are a few options to use when rescheduling meetings:

        1. Request to reschedule meeting agenda

Request to reschedule meeting agenda

        2. Rescheduling our upcoming meeting

Rescheduling upcoming meeting

        3. Request to reschedule our meeting

Request to reschedule a meeting

        4. Rescheduling request for [meeting topic]

Rescheduling request for a meeting

        5. Meeting reschedule request

Meeting reschedule request

        6. Need to reschedule our meeting

Need to reschedule a meeting

        7. Reschedule of [meeting topic] meeting

Reschedule of meeting

Conclusion

Following these guidelines will make sure you craft a professional and respectful rescheduled meeting email that minimizes inconvenience for every participant involved. To ensure a smooth and productive meeting, even if rescheduled, consider using a tool with meeting software such as Bluedot. Bluedot goes beyond just being a convenient way to record your Google Meet meeting.

One of the most valuable aspects of Bluedot is the ability to capture the entire meeting, not just the audio. This is especially important when someone is sharing their screen to present or demonstrate something. Bluedot records the screen share along with the audio, providing a complete record of the meeting content.

Bluedot also offers features like automated transcription, auto-generated emails, and the ability to create and manage meeting templates.

Bluedot securely stores your Google Meet, Zoom or Microsoft Teams recordings for later use, making it a valuable resource for future reference. With its well-rounded feature set, Bluedot can streamline your meeting workflow and ensure all important information is captured and easily accessible.

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In the next episode:
The ultimate guide to writing follow-up emails after meetings
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