Politeness

By c.r. martin

I.

In what situation would you say these two phrases?

a. Can you help me please?
b. Could you help me please?

II.

Read these statements. Are they polite or not? If they are not polite,
see if you can make them polite. (There are 2 polite sentences)
1. When are you leaving?
2. Wouldnt it be better if you called Sally tomorrow?
3.

I hope you can fix my computer.

4. You promised that you would fix the computer yesterday!

5. Your products are ridiculously expensive!
6. You said the discount was 4% yesterday.
7. Im afraid I simply wont be able to make it tomorrow; I am so awfully
dreadfully sorry.
8. Did you have a chance to read my email yesterday?
9. There are 5 things I must discuss with you.
III.

Have you ever been in one of the following situations? How would
you react in your country? How should you react in an English
speaking country?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

IV.

You overhear one of your employees complaining about you.

Your phone rings during an important meeting/presentation.
Your boss has just given you a new car.
One of your clients hasnt paid his bills for 6 months.
A customer has called to complain about the delivery of good.

Act out the following situations twice: first, as two incredibly rude
people; second, as two marvelously polite people.
a) Partner A wants a raise and has come to talk to his/her boss,
Partner B.
b) Partner A is trying to open a bank account with Partner Bs
bank.
c) Partner A is a guest at Partner Bs house. Partner A wants to
leave because the party is extremely boring.

d) Partner A is trying to return a broken washing machine to the

manufacturer, partner B.