Direct Answer & Key Takeaway
Say what is blocked, since when and who can unblock it, in two clear sentences. Lead with the blocker itself, then make a clear request. Short beats complete in a stand-up.
The moment
It is the daily stand-up. You have fifteen seconds, the team lead is listening, and your task has not moved since Monday because you are waiting for someone else.
General advice
Lead with the blocker itself, then make a clear request. Short beats complete in a stand-up.
Phrases that work
I'm blocked on the payment API.
Мене блокує API платежів.
We've been waiting for the test keys since Monday.
Ми чекаємо на тестові ключі з понеділка.
Present perfect continuous for something that started earlier and still goes on.
Could you ask the vendor today?
Можете сьогодні запитати постачальника?
Until then, I'm picking up the refund ticket.
Поки що я беруся за тікет із поверненнями.
In a real conversation
Team leadAny blockers today?
YouYes, one. I'm blocked on the payment API. We've been waiting for test keys since Monday. Could you ask the vendor today?
Team leadSure, I'll ping them after the call.
Common mistakes
Instead ofWe are waiting the keys from Monday.
SayWe've been waiting for the keys since Monday.
"Wait for" takes "for", and "since Monday" needs the present perfect continuous.
Instead ofI have a problem with one thing, it is about the API, maybe somebody knows…
SayI'm blocked on the payment API.
Lead with the blocker. A long lead-in loses the room before the request.
In most teams a blocker is not a failure; an unspoken one is. The fastest way to sound senior in a stand-up is to name the blocker early, keep it short and hand it to someone who can act.