A delay is easier to manage when others understand its effect early enough to respond. Hiding uncertainty until a deadline passes reduces the available options. Clear communication focuses on the work and the choices ahead. Explain what is complete, what is blocked, and which commitment is affected. Offer a realistic revised estimate and state the assumptions behind it. If possible, propose a smaller deliverable or a different sequence. Avoid promising a date you have not checked. For a report waiting on data, identify the missing input and the sections that can still be finished. Ask the responsible person for the specific decision or information needed. Update the estimate if circumstances change rather than quietly letting it expire. Practice: Draft a short delay update with status, impact, options, and the next update time. Remove blame and vague phrases such as “soon.”