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?

<p>They are probably not interested. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Leave a comment about their experience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Using modal verbs like could or would (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What introductory phrase can make a request even more polite?

<p>Would you mind (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It checks for the other person's agreement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>There is no formal politeness structure built into the language. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Three sets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Can you open the door? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Would you mind opening the door? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Students should speak out loud at a normal volume. (A)</p> 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?

<p>Could you possibly do this? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>What if we moved it here? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>I'm afraid I can't make it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Please do this immediately. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Why don't we take a break? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>I doubt it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase would sound less polite when refusing a request?

<p>I can’t do that. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It often makes the response sound less harsh. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>What do you think about...? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which expression suggests slight reluctance when declining an invitation?

<p>I'm not sure I can make it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>You should... (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>How 'bout we put the table in the corner? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using indirect questions in suggestions?

<p>To make the suggestion sound more polite. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake when saying no?

<p>Using direct language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Polite requests

Asking someone to do something in a considerate way.

Modal verbs (could/would)

Helping verbs that make a request more polite.

Would you mind

A polite way to ask someone to do something, adding extra respect.

Adding introductory phrases

Making a request more polite by adding phrases before 'could' or 'would'.

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Checking for agreement

Politely confirming if the other person agrees before making the request.

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Indirect requests

Requests that are not directly stated, but implied.

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Considerate speech

Speaking politely & respectfully to avoid offending others.

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Natural English

Speaking English in a way that sounds like a native speaker.

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Polite refusal

A gentle way to decline a request without being rude.

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Indirect refusal

Expressing a lack of interest without a direct 'no'.

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Follow-up phrase

A phrase added after an indirect refusal to avoid direct rejection.

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Unfulfilled promise

A sign that someone is declining your request subtly by not following up.

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Honesty and directness

Being upfront about your preferences, even if it means saying 'no'.

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If you get the chance

This phrase is used to make a request more polite by suggesting that the listener should only fulfill it if convenient.

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When you have a minute

Another polite phrase used to soften a request by implying that the listener should only fulfill it when they are free.

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What if

This phrase is used to make a polite suggestion by asking for feedback and opinions.

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How about

A friendly way to make a suggestion, often followed by a proposed action.

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Why don't we

This phrase is used to make a suggestion by framing it as a collaborative idea.

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What do you think about

A way to make a suggestion by indirectly asking for someone's opinion on the idea.

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I'm afraid

A polite way to decline a request or offer bad news by expressing regret or inability.

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Unfortunately

An adverb used to express regret or disappointment when declining a request or sharing negative news.

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It's unlikely

A tentative way to decline a request or offer by expressing uncertainty or doubt.

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I doubt it

Another way to politely decline a request by expressing doubt or uncertainty.

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I'm not sure

A polite way to decline a request by expressing uncertainty or hesitation.

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Softening bad news

Using phrases or intonation to make a negative response more polite and less harsh.

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Tentative response

A way of saying 'no' indirectly by expressing doubt or uncertainty.

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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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