Use these 4 scripts to reframe your fear and turn a scary ask into an easy “yes”

I was at a red light when I saw the subject line:

“Wild Courage” Book Club for my Team!

It was from a woman who heard me speak at an event earlier this year.

She was organizing a book club with ten women, and they’d chosen Wild Courage as their first read.

I was already thrilled.

But I quickly got a sense this was not an easy email for her to write.

“I’m harnessing a little wild courage to reach out…,” she said.

Jenna was clearly nervous.

I’ve been there. That moment before you hit “send” on an email that feels too bold.

Where you ask yourself…

Who am I to make this request?
What if they roll their eyes?
What if I’m asking too much?

So I braced myself.

I assumed she was going to ask me something huge.

But Jenna just wanted me to record a short video and share one or two takeaways from the book.

I laughed.

Not because it was silly. Because it reminded me how we assume our boldest asks are too much.

Even before I read her request, I was excited to say yes.

And after reading it? I wanted to do more!

So I offered to show up live and lead a discussion.

The Problem

We assume our ask is too big.

We draft it, delete it, rewrite it.
We delay sending it.
We say things like “I hate to bother you…” or “This might be asking too much…”

Meanwhile, someone is on the other end thinking: Are you kidding? I’m honored you asked.

The Big Small Thing

Your “Wild Courage” moment might not feel wild to them.

To them, it looks like:

You cared enough to ask.
You believe in what they’re building.
You’re taking initiative and creating connection.

4 Ways to Reframe Your Fear:

❌ “But they’re too busy for me.”
​✅ Most people are busy. But most people also want to help—especially if your ask is clear, thoughtful, and specific.

❌ “I don’t want to come off as pushy.”
​✅ Asking isn’t pushing. Demanding is pushing.

❌ “They’re way too senior to care about my note…”
​✅ People remember who reaches out. Even once.

❌ “What if I sound like I’m asking too much?”
​✅ You probably aren’t. And if you are? Most people will say no kindly.

3 Scripts to Make the Ask:

#1: Want to reach out to someone you admire in your org?

Start with: “I watched your session at the leadership summit last quarter, and one insight really stuck with me: [insert insight]. I’d love to learn more about [topic]. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat?”

#2: Want to ask your boss for a stretch assignment?

Try: “I’ve been thinking about how I can contribute at a higher level. Could I take the lead on the next [client presentation, onboarding, metrics review, project]?”

#3: Want to reconnect with a colleague or mentor you’ve lost touch with?
​
​Lead with: “Hey! I saw your recent LinkedIn post about [topic] and thought of our work together on [project]. Would love to catch up soon. Are you free for a virtual 30 minute coffee next week?”

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

The people that get promoted, mentored, and championed?

They asked.

So reach out to the speaker.
Message the VP.
Pitch the idea to your manager.

Because the thing you’re scared to say out loud?

It might be the exact thing someone’s hoping to hear.