All I can do is offer my sincere apologies for missing our appointment this afternoon. Of all this year’s meetings, this was the one I wanted and needed to attend. I had no idea we would be held up in the holiday traffic for so long. I have resisted buying a cellular phone, but today’s frustration has convinced me that I must get one. I hope I can still have a chance to present my proposal to you and Mr. Doe. My sincere thanks for your patience and consideration.

Please forgive me for missing our Tuesday appointment. I realize that you had to rearrange your schedule only to be frustrated. Ever since we agreed to hold the meeting, I have looked forward to exchanging ideas and deciding on a plan of action. Somehow, I thought the meeting was at 11 a.m. so I spent the time in my office preparing a presentation. From now on, I will check my calendar first thing in the morning. Can we reschedule? I am still very interested in meeting with you. And again, please forgive my temporary absent-mindedness.

I apologize for coming late to the division meeting this morning. One of my staff came to my office with a serious personal problem and I had to make a choice. I stayed to talk with him. I realize that I missed an opportunity to give my report. I hope I can still give it in our next meeting. I know it must be frustrating for you to not have my information at the outset. I fully support the division’s initiatives and want to do my best to contribute to them.