Polite Communication Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What do extra phrases like 'I'll find out and let you know' typically indicate?

They are politely declining an invitation. (correct)

They are interested but need time to decide.

They are unsure about their availability.

They are excited and will attend.

What response generally signifies that someone is not interested?

Not getting back to you at all. (correct)

Asking for more details about the event.

Following up multiple times.

Expressing enthusiasm about the event.

What tone does the speaker wish everyone would use in communication?

Direct and honest. (correct)

Indifferent and casual.

Formal and distant.

Polite but ambiguous.

What might happen if an invitation is extended and the invitee does not respond?

They are probably not interested. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker encourage the audience to do if they enjoyed the expressions discussed?

Leave a comment about their experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to make a polite request in English?

Using modal verbs like could or would Signup and view all the answers

What introductory phrase can make a request even more polite?

Would you mind Signup and view all the answers

In the context of making polite requests, what does the phrase 'if it's okay with you' imply?

It checks for the other person's agreement. Signup and view all the answers

Why does English require learning politeness expressions rather than relying on formal structure?

There is no formal politeness structure built into the language. Signup and view all the answers

How many sets of phrases are practiced in the conversation workout?

Three sets Signup and view all the answers

What command in English is used to ask someone to perform a task politely?

Can you open the door? Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is an example of an indirect way of making a request?

Would you mind opening the door? Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the way to practice the phrases during the lesson?

Students should speak out loud at a normal volume. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase can be used to politely ask someone to do something when you do not want to sound demanding?

Could you possibly do this? Signup and view all the answers

What is a more polite way to make a suggestion without sounding bossy?

What if we moved it here? Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase indicates a very polite way to decline an invitation?

I'm afraid I can't make it. Signup and view all the answers

When making a request, which phrase is likely to be perceived as less polite?

Please do this immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase can be used to suggest taking a break in a polite manner?

Why don't we take a break? Signup and view all the answers

How can one express doubt about attending an event without saying no outright?

I doubt it. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase would sound less polite when refusing a request?

I can’t do that. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the use of 'I'm afraid' in conversations?

It often makes the response sound less harsh. Signup and view all the answers

What is a polite way to suggest an action that invites others' opinions?

What do you think about...? Signup and view all the answers

Which expression suggests slight reluctance when declining an invitation?

I'm not sure I can make it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way to politely suggest something?

You should... Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is an example of teaching a reduction in spoken English?

How 'bout we put the table in the corner? Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using indirect questions in suggestions?

To make the suggestion sound more polite. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake when saying no?

Using direct language. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Polite Requests

Use modal verbs ("could" or "would") to make requests more polite.
Add introductory phrases like "Would you mind...?" or "If it's okay with you..." to make requests even more polite.
Use "we" instead of "you" to make requests more indirect and less demanding.
Example: "Would you mind opening the door?" or "If it's okay with you, could we open the door?"

Polite Suggestions

Rephrase statements as questions to make them polite.
- Example: Instead of "Put the couch in the corner," say "What if we moved it here?"
Use phrases like:
- "What if...?"
- "How about...?" (Note the connected flow of "How about...")
- "How 'bout...?" (A shortened version of "How about...")
- "Why don't we...?" (Note the reduced "T" sound in "don't")
Example: "How about we put the table in the corner?" or "Why don't we take a break?"
An indirect question like "What do you think about..." can also be used as a polite suggestion.

Politely Saying No

Avoid directly saying "no."
Use phrases like "I'm afraid I can't make it" or "Unfortunately, I can't make it." (Emphasize "can't")
Use tentative language: "It's unlikely I can make it," "I doubt it," or "I'm not sure I can make it."
These phrases imply a refusal.
Phrases like "I'll find out and let you know" or "I'll get back to you about it" can be added to soften the decline or give a reason.

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Description

This quiz focuses on strategies for making polite requests, suggestions, and refusals. It covers the use of modal verbs, indirect phrasing, and rephrasing statements into questions to enhance politeness in communication. Test your understanding of these concepts through various examples.