Give Personal Advice

Write Your advice in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 Explain that you are responding to a request for advice about a problem or situation.

Sample Sentences for Step 1

• I am honored that you would ask me for advice on such an issue.
• I have been thinking about the schooling dilemma that we talked about.
• After talking with some of the former employees of Doe Realty, I think I can answer your question.
• Thank you for your letter asking for my opinion on how to proceed with your proposal.
• I've been thinking a lot about what you asked me last night.
• I've been considering the unhappy personal situation that you explained to me, and its impact on your work.
• After thinking about your problem for the past two days, I think you might want to consider a different approach.

Key Phrases for Step 1

• after talking with
• after careful consideration of
• after thinking about your problem
• am flattered that you would
• am honored that you would ask me
• asked what I thought of
• asked for advice about
• following up on our discussion
• have been thinking about the situation
• have given a lot of thought
• it seems to me that
• share your concern about
• since you asked for my opinion on
• that we talked about
• that you explained to me
• the advice you asked for
• think I can answer your question
• want to let you know
• will do my best to

2 Give your advice or suggestions.

Sample Sentences for Step 2

• I really think that you should stay in school, even though you may have to take out a loan.
• It seems to me that you have done all you can short of seeing a professional counselor. I think that talking with such a counselor may be worthwhile. I have a recommendation, if you want to follow that course of action.
• I believe your resume would be more effective if you would list your work experience with single one-line statements beginning with active verbs. For example, "Ensured quality control of product."
• Because your decision will have long-range consequences, I suggest that you speak to your minister before taking such a serious step.
• At your age you should begin to save as much as possible for retirement.
• Since Dr. Doe has spent most of his life in general practice, he may not be experienced with your special situation. I would recommend that you see a specialist for a second opinion.

Key Phrases for Step 2

• a better resource might be
• after you have done all you can
• because your decision will
• before taking such a serious step
• best course of action may be to
• even though you may have to
• has such long-range consequences
• it seems like a good idea to
• it seems to me that
• knows quite a bit about
• may need professional assistance
• may want to contact
• may not be aware of
• may wish to consider
• may be worth a try
• might consider trying
• really can't give you specific advice
• sounds like a wonderful opportunity
• suggest that you
• the best advice I can give to you is
• think this through carefully before
• unless you find a very good reason
• would recommend that
• would be more effective
• would hesitate before
• would advise you to

3 Explain the reasons why you feel the way you do.

Sample Sentences for Step 3

• The extra expense of finishing school now will be made up many times over in the next few years. Long-term studies show that the income of college graduates is significantly higher than that of non graduates.
• Sometimes we are too close to a problem to see the solution. A third party can be a valuable aid to persons who genuinely want to solve a difficult problem.
• The use of strong verbs in this way conveys a crisp, effective message that gives the reader the feeling that the writer is competent.
• I think you need to consider the consequences for your children, as well as for your own emotional stability.
• A small percentage of your income invested each month will provide a significant return over a period of thirty years. You will probably need such savings to complement your regular retirement and possible social security payments.
• You shouldn't worry about Dr. Doe's reaction. You should be in charge of your own health, and he must understand that you need more information.

Key Phrases for Step 3

• although it would give you
• are extremely concerned about
• considering where your interests lie
• considering the pros and cons
• doing so would almost certainly
• farther down the road
• for your current needs
• from my own experience
• from personal experience
• have learned the hard way
• have your best interests at heart
• have no doubt that
• in the next few years
• in the long run
• most beneficial to you
• see no reason to
• should understand that
• shouldn't worry about
• the extra expense of
• the advantages of this course of action
• think you need to consider
• will pay off in the end
• would be in your best interests to
• would be to your advantage to

4 Add a comment that releases the reader from feeling an obligation to follow your advice.

Sample Sentences for Step 4

• Of course, this is my personal opinion. Others may disagree.
• What I have written comes from my own experience. There may be factors that make your case different.
• I like this approach but you may want to look at others, as well.
• Of course this decision must be your own. I have only given you my opinion.
• There may be other ways of accomplishing your long-range financial goals. This one has worked for me, but it may not be the one for you.
• Of course, you are closer to the situation than I am, so there may be other factors that I have not taken into consideration.

Key Phrases for Step 4

• am not really qualified to
• cannot promise immediate results
• cannot know the entire situation
• comes from my own experience
• give you something to think about
• has worked for me
• is my personal opinion
• is only one approach to
• is just my opinion
• know better than I do
• may want to take another approach
• may not agree with
• may want to look at other options
• may be factors I haven't considered
• may be other ways to
• must be your own decision
• of course, you are closer to
• only one suggestion
• others may disagree
• something for you to consider
• take a little time to
• there may be additional factors
• use your own judgment
• your case may be different

5 Close with a note of encouragement and confidence.

Sample Sentences for Step 5

• I think you are on the right track and will make the right choice.
• You have a good sense of right and wrong, so I am confident that you will make the right choice.
• You have been so meticulous in preparing this document that I am confident that the end result will be good.
• You are wise to get input from others before making a decision.
• After you have had a chance to talk with him, I feel that you will be able to make a wise decision.
• You are smart to begin planning this way in your early years. With such foresight, you will undoubtedly succeed.
• I wish you success in whatever decision you make. You certainly deserve it.

Key Phrases for Step 5

• after you have had a chance to
• am confident that you
• am sure that you
• certainly deserve to
• feel that you will
• have confidence in your ability to
• have a good sense of
• hope that you will
• let me hear from you
• please let me know
• the end result will be
• whatever decision you make
• whatever you decide
• will do a great job
• will undoubtedly succeed
• will make a wise decision
• will do the right thing
• will support you in
• will make the right decision
• will turn out fine
• wish you success in