21 Other Ways to Say “Please Proceed”

Instructing someone to “Please proceed” can be a common directive in various environments, from the courtroom to the boardroom, or even in everyday scenarios.

Utilizing a variety of expressions to communicate this sentiment can enrich your communication style, show authority or politeness, and cater to the specificity of the situation at hand.

Here are 21 alternative phrases to say “Please proceed,” each suitable for different contexts and tones.

Formal Authorizations

In settings where formality is paramount, these phrases can convey the go-ahead in a respectful and clear manner.

1. You may continue at your leisure.

• Example: “We have ample time for this session, so you may continue at your leisure.”
• Explanation: Offers a gracious way of telling someone to proceed, adding a sense of ease to the instruction.

2. Kindly move forward with your explanation.

• Example: “The concepts are complex so kindly move forward with your explanation, and I will interject if needed.”
• Explanation: Politely instructs someone to go on with their detailed account, implying close attention.

3. Your permission to advance is granted.

• Example: “Given the adjustments to the proposal, your permission to advance is granted.”
• Explanation: A formal declaration that someone has official approval to continue with their course of action.

Encouraging Progression

When you want to spur someone on or show support for their continuation, these expressions add a positive nudge.

4. Feel free to carry on.

• Example: “Your points are well-taken—feel free to carry on with your presentation.”
• Explanation: Encourages the individual to continue, signaling agreement or satisfaction with what has been presented so far.

5. Go ahead, we’re keen to hear more.

• Example: “Your preliminary results are intriguing, go ahead, we’re keen to hear more.”
• Explanation: Conveys eagerness and interest in the continuation of the speaker’s contributions.

6. Please, do go on.

• Example: “Your overview is most insightful, please, do go on.”
• Explanation: A polite but more direct way to ask someone to continue speaking.

Professional Settings

In a professional environment, using neutral but clear directives can keep things moving efficiently and respectfully.

7. You’re clear to proceed.

• Example: “All checks are complete; you’re clear to proceed with the system upgrade.”
• Explanation: Confirms that the prerequisites are met and the person can move forward.

8. Please continue with your planned course of action.

• Example: “The board has reviewed your report; please continue with your planned course of action.”
• Explanation: A formal instruction that endorses the individual’s next steps.

9. Let’s move forward as discussed.

• Example: “After reviewing all the logistics, let’s move forward as discussed.”
• Explanation: Affirms a previously agreed-upon plan and indicates it’s time to initiate it.

Invitations for Input

When seeking input, opinions, or discussion from others, these phrases can encourage participation.

10. Feel free to expand on that point.

• Example: “That’s an interesting perspective; feel free to expand on that point.”
• Explanation: Invites further elaboration on a topic that piques interest.

11. I welcome you to proceed with your feedback.

• Example: “As we strive for improvement, I welcome you to proceed with your feedback.”
• Explanation: Shows openness to receiving others’ opinions or critiques.

12. Please, continue; your insights are invaluable.

• Example: “You have the floor—please, continue; your insights are invaluable to this topic.”
• Explanation: Offers the speaker the opportunity to continue, valuing their knowledge or perspective.

Instructional Contexts

In teaching or guiding situations, these alternatives can nudge learners or listeners effectively.

13. I invite you to proceed with the demonstration.

• Example: “Your preparations appear thorough; I invite you to proceed with the demonstration.”
• Explanation: Instructs someone to move on with an action, often in an educational or workshop setting.

14. You may begin at your discretion.

• Example: “We are ready to observe your process; you may begin at your discretion.”
• Explanation: Gives permission to start an action while allowing the individual to choose the timing.

15. Initiate the next phase when you are ready.

• Example: “You have done great work so far. Initiate the next phase when you are ready.”
• Explanation: Acknowledges progress and gives the go-ahead for the subsequent step.

Encouraging Seamless Transitions

To encourage continuation without breaking the flow of a meeting, presentation, or conversation, use these phrases.

16. Please continue without hesitation.

• Example: “All technical setup has been secured; please continue without hesitation.”
• Explanation: Reassures that everything is in place, allowing for an immediate continuation.

17. By all means, press on.

• Example: “The committee is following your argument closely; by all means, press on.”
• Explanation: Suggests that someone should not only continue but do so with a sense of confidence.

18. You’re welcome to move to the next item.

• Example: “Your analysis is comprehensive; you’re welcome to move to the next item on the agenda.”
• Explanation: Grants permission and encourages progression in a meeting or structured event.

Casual Approval

In more relaxed or informal interactions, these cheerful and laid-back options signal the go-ahead.

19. Sure thing, what’s next?

• Example: “We’ve resolved the current issue – sure thing, what’s next?”
• Explanation: A casual confirmation that it’s fine to move forward, followed by inviting further content or conversation.

20. Keep it going!

• Example: “You’re on a roll with these ideas – keep it going!”
• Explanation: Excited encouragement for someone energetic and on track with their actions or speech.

21. Roll on!

• Example: “Liking what I’m hearing so far. Roll on!”
• Explanation: A casual yet enthusiastic way to signify that the receiver should continue with their momentum.

Conclusion

Directing someone to “Please proceed” affirms their course of action and supports ongoing communication or activities.

With the 21 alternative phrases provided here, offering this signal can become more appropriate and impactful according to the setting, enhancing clarity, politeness, and efficiency in interactions.

Whether you’re in a position of leadership, part of a collaborative team, or engaged in social discourse, the ways in which you communicate succession and continuity can shape productive and positive exchanges. By carefully selecting your words to match the context and your audience, your encouragement or permission can empower action and nurture progress.