Guide 114 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “update”
Five words for different kinds of update.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Update" is flat. "Briefing" is structured and prepared; "progress report" is standard project language; "status" is single-state; "recap" is after the fact; "readout" is debrief after a session.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Briefing formal
structured update for an audience
A briefing for the board on Monday.
- 02Progress report neutral
standard project update
A weekly progress report goes out Fridays.
- 03Status neutral
single-state, quick read
Status on the migration: green.
- 04Recap neutral
after-the-fact summary
A short recap of last week’s decisions.
- 05Readout neutral
debrief after a session or meeting
Readout from the customer interview.