You know that moment when you write ‘please advise’ in an email and suddenly feel like a robot? Yeah, same here. It sounds too stiff, right? If you’re tired of sounding like an office bot and want to sound more human (and polite), this post is for you. Today, I’ll walk you through 19 friendlier and easier ways to ask for advice, help, or input. No more cold emails. Let’s keep things simple and human.
1. Can you help me with this?
This is a soft and friendly way to ask someone for advice. It sounds natural and kind. You’re not being too formal or pushy, just honest and clear. Use it in emails, texts, or even in meetings. People usually feel good when they’re asked for help. This phrase also shows that you trust the other person’s knowledge. It works in most situations and doesn’t sound too serious. Try this next time instead of saying ‘please advise’.
2. What do you think?
Asking ‘what do you think?’ invites the other person to share their opinion. It’s a good way to get feedback without sounding cold. It’s simple, casual, and makes the other person feel included. Use it when you want advice or ideas, not just answers. This phrase also shows respect for someone’s thoughts. It works great in both emails and real talk. Use it with coworkers, friends, or anyone really. It’s short, warm, and very easy to understand.
3. I’d love your thoughts
This one sounds polite and friendly, like you truly care what they say. Saying ‘I’d love your thoughts’ shows that you value the other person’s opinion. It’s also more inviting than ‘please advise’. You can use it in professional emails or casual messages. It keeps things soft and respectful. This phrase also helps build trust and better communication. People like to be heard. Try using this when you want advice or help making a choice.
4. What’s your take on this?
This phrase is casual, but still respectful. It’s a great way to ask for someone’s opinion or view on something. ‘What’s your take on this?’ makes it sound like you’re curious and open-minded. It works well in both work and personal situations. Use it when you want to hear someone’s unique view or advice. It’s also shorter and more fun than ‘please advise’. People like when their take is asked. Give it a try!
5. Could you give me your input?
This one sounds a bit more formal but still friendly. When you say ‘Could you give me your input?’ you’re showing that you respect someone’s knowledge and want their thoughts. It’s great for team work or decision-making. It’s clear and polite without being too stiff. You can use this in a work setting, especially in emails. It also makes the other person feel useful. Everyone likes to feel needed. Use this when you want thoughtful feedback.
6. Do you have any suggestions?
This question is open and easy to understand. ‘Do you have any suggestions?’ shows that you’re ready to hear ideas. It’s not demanding, just curious. It also makes the other person feel like their opinion matters. You can use it in work emails, group chats, or everyday talk. It’s a smooth and kind way to ask for help. It also sounds more natural than ‘please advise’. People are more likely to reply when asked this way.
7. I could use some advice
This phrase sounds honest and real. When you say ‘I could use some advice’, you’re showing you trust the other person. It’s a humble way to ask for help. It works well in messages, emails, or even face-to-face. It doesn’t sound too formal, and that’s the charm of it. It makes the person feel important, like their opinion matters. Use this when you need clear advice and want to sound open and down-to-earth.
8. Let me know what you think
This is one of the friendliest ways to ask for feedback. It’s polite, relaxed, and clear. When you say ‘Let me know what you think’, you’re inviting someone to share their thoughts without pressure. It’s useful in work and casual messages. This phrase is warm and thoughtful. It makes others feel like their opinion counts. Plus, it feels more personal than ‘please advise’. Give this one a try next time. It works like a charm.
9. Thoughts?
Sometimes, less is more. ‘Thoughts?’ is super short but still gets the job done. It’s casual and very modern. You’ll often see this in texts or short emails. It’s like saying, ‘I’m open to hearing what you think’ without typing a lot. It’s not rude if used with the right tone. Just be sure the context feels friendly. Great for team chats or fast feedback. Next time, instead of writing a full sentence, just write ‘Thoughts?’
10. Mind sharing your thoughts?
This question is soft and polite. ‘Mind sharing your thoughts?’ makes it sound like you’re gently asking for someone’s opinion. It’s friendly and respectful. It also shows that you value what the other person has to say. It works well in emails, messages, or even in meetings. This phrase is a little more personal than ‘please advise’ and way more warm. People are more likely to respond when it feels like a real conversation.
11. Would love your feedback
This one is clear, short, and to the point. ‘Would love your feedback’ shows that you want the person’s opinion in a friendly way. It’s not formal, but still respectful. It’s great for emails and messages, especially when you’re asking someone to review something. People like giving feedback when they feel welcome. This phrase makes it easy for them to respond. It also feels more modern than old-school phrases. Use it to keep things simple.
12. Any thoughts?
‘Any thoughts?’ is a super easy and casual way to get advice. It’s like opening the door to conversation without being pushy. It works well in team messages or short emails. You’re not demanding anything, just inviting feedback. It also feels modern and natural. Use this when you want quick input from someone you know. It’s short and sweet, and people usually respond fast. Swap this in next time you’re tempted to say ‘please advise’.
13. Can I get your thoughts?
This phrase sounds open and polite. ‘Can I get your thoughts?’ shows that you care what the other person thinks. It’s easy to use and sounds friendly. You can use it in any setting — work, school, or with friends. It feels more like a real question than a command. It also works well in emails or messages. Try this next time you want help making a choice or understanding something better. It’s simple but kind.
14. Would love to hear what you think
This one is warm and thoughtful. ‘Would love to hear what you think’ makes the person feel valued. It’s a great way to ask for advice or opinion without sounding bossy. You can use this in emails or messages, especially when you’re working on a team project. It’s clear, polite, and friendly. People will likely respond because it feels personal and respectful. Try this instead of using cold or old phrases. It keeps communication smooth.
15. What are your thoughts?
This phrase is simple but still shows that you care. ‘What are your thoughts?’ is a clear way to invite feedback or opinions. It’s polite, kind, and very easy to use. Whether you’re talking with coworkers or friends, this question makes people feel included. It also shows that you’re not just asking to ask — you actually want to know. It’s better than saying ‘please advise’ because it feels more real. Great for group chats too.
16. Appreciate your thoughts on this
This one adds a little thank-you feeling right into the phrase. ‘Appreciate your thoughts on this’ sounds respectful and thankful. You’re saying you value the other person’s ideas even before they share. That small touch makes people more likely to reply. It’s perfect for work emails or requests. It’s warm and has good energy. Use it when asking for help, feedback, or ideas. It feels much nicer than the usual business talk. Keep it friendly!
17. Hope to hear your thoughts
This phrase sounds open and gentle. ‘Hope to hear your thoughts’ lets the other person know you’re waiting to hear from them, but not in a pushy way. It’s great for emails when you want someone’s opinion but want to keep the tone friendly. It’s also great at the end of a message. It shows that you care about what they have to say. This one is softer than ‘please advise’ and sounds more human.
18. Could use your insight
This phrase is short but strong. ‘Could use your insight’ sounds like you really trust the person’s point of view. It’s polite, thoughtful, and works well in emails. It doesn’t sound too serious or stiff, but still gets the job done. Use this when you’re facing a tough choice or need expert help. It shows respect and keeps the tone friendly. People like being seen as insightful, so they’ll likely respond. Try this next time.
19. Let me know your thoughts
This one is probably the most common, and for good reason. ‘Let me know your thoughts’ is easy, polite, and straight to the point. It’s a great phrase to end an email or message. It shows that you care what the other person has to say. It’s friendly and works in almost any situation. If you want a softer, more human-sounding way to ask for feedback, this is your go-to. People really respond well to it.
I hope these 19 phrases help you sound more like yourself in your emails and messages. No more robotic ‘please advise’ that makes everything feel stiff. These new options are easy, friendly, and sound like they’re coming from a real person. Try a few and see which one feels right for you. You’ll be surprised how much warmer and better your messages will feel. People love it when you speak like a real person, not a script.
