How to phrase a request so Avvi can act on it

Naming the person and the outcome in one sentence works. Describing a situation and hoping usually produces a question back instead of an action.

A request that names the person and says what should happen gets acted on. A request that describes a situation gets a question back, because there is nothing in it to act on yet.

The difference is one sentence. Sarah has left, please forward her email to me is actionable. Sarah has left and I am not sure what to do about her email is a conversation.

Neither is wrong, and the second is fine when you genuinely want advice. Knowing which one you are asking for saves a round trip.

How it works

Avvi looks for three things in a request: who it is about, what should happen, and anything that limits it, such as a date.

Missing any of the three is not a failure. Avvi asks for what is missing rather than guessing, and the answer continues the same request.

Good to know

A name is enough to search with. A first name, a surname, a full name, or an email address all work.

If more than one person matches, Avvi lists the matches and asks which one you meant. Replying with the number is enough.

An email address avoids that question entirely, which is worth it for a common name.

Verify it worked

Read the confirmation before agreeing to it. The name and the outcome on that screen are what will actually happen.

If either is wrong, say so instead of confirming. Correcting the confirmation is quicker than reversing the action.

If something doesn’t look right

If Avvi asks a question you have already answered, answer it again in the same conversation rather than starting a new one. Context carries within a conversation.

If Avvi keeps asking which person you mean, use their email address.

If Avvi says it cannot do something, that is usually about what your account is allowed to do rather than how you phrased it. Ask Avvi to send the request to your IT team.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to use particular words?

A: No. Ordinary sentences work. Naming the person and the outcome matters more than the wording.

Q: Can I ask for several things at once?

A: Yes. Avvi works through them and confirms before changing anything.

Q: Avvi answered a question instead of doing something.

A: The request probably read as a question. Say what you want to happen, not what the situation is.

Ask about your own account is the shortest request there is, and a good place to practise the shape.