Day 4 - Speaking Politely In English Like

A Native Speaker

1. Use Questions Instead of Statements

Instead of telling people to help you with tasks, you can turn your statement into
a question. Make sure that you’re giving the other person the chance to say no.
Using questions makes you sound nicer and more considerate (thoughtful and
nice). Even if you need something done right away, making it a question will
make the other person more willing to help.

Instead of: Finish the presentation.

Say: Can you finish the presentation please?

Instead of: I need help with this project.

Say: Will you help me with this project please?

2. Use Vague (Unclear) Language

You can come off as sounding impolite if you’re too direct. Instead, you can say
things in a way that sounds more flexible. Do this by softening your language.
People will usually understand the details even if you use vague (unclear) terms.
Here are some examples.

Instead of: Meet me at eight o’clock.

Say: Meet me around dinner time.

Instead of: It’s hot, turn up the air conditioning.

Say: I’m kind of hot. Would you mind if I turn up the air conditioning just a
little bit?
3. Add Some Explanation

When you’re communicating at work, it’s often a good idea to include an

explanation. If you’re asking someone to do something for you, or explaining a
problem, people will feel better if they know a few details.
You can use English words and phrases like because, so, therefore or that’s why…
to add your explanation.

Instead of: Finish this presentation by tomorrow.

Say: The client is coming tomorrow, so I’d like you to finish the presentation by
then.

Instead of: I didn’t want to go to his party.

Say: I didn’t want to go to his party because I was really sick.

4. Use Modal Verbs to Soften Requests

I already mentioned that using questions is more polite than using statements.
However, questions can be made even more polite with the use of modal verbs.
Modal verbs, such as would, could, will, can, should, must, might and shall are
often used in formal speech. When in doubt, use a modal verb to make any
question or statement sound more polite.

Modal Verb: A modal verb is a type of verb that contextually indicates a

modality such as a likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestion,
order, obligation, or advice.

Common Modal Verbs: can, could, might, may, must, shall, should, will,
would.

Instead of: I want the laptop.

Say: I would like the laptop.

Instead of: Let’s get lunch.

Say: Shall we get lunch?
5. Use Common Polite Phrases

Grammar tricks are great, but sometimes, all you need to know are a few
common polite phrases.
As you study English (and especially if you immerse yourself in English), you’ll
learn more and more common phrases that people use to be polite.
Here are a few phrases you might use in a formal environment. These are great
for when problems arise and you need a tactful (not rude) way to address the
situation. These phrases are recognized as being polite while still getting the
point across.

Instead of: I already told you this.

Say: As I mentioned previously…

Instead of: This is wrong.

Say: Are you sure this is the right info?

Instead of: You must do this.

Say: Thanks in advance for your help!

How to Speak Politely in Specific

Scenarios
1. Giving your opinion

Personally, I think that...

It seems to me that...
In my opinion, ...
I feel that…
I believe that…

2. Referring to other’s opinions

(Some) people say that...

I’ve heard that...
It’s a fact that…
According to…
3. Making requests

Could you please…

Would you please….
Would you mind….

4. Making suggestions and giving feedback

You could call the clearing agent.

How about having KFC for dinner?
What about meeting with the client tomorrow?
Let’s double check this email before we send it.

5. Asking questions

I was wondering if/whether…..

Would it be possible to……?
Do you mind if……..?

6. Saying ‘no’

I'm afraid I'm busy on... (day). How about next... (day)?
I'm sorry I can't.
I'd love to, but...
Not this time, thanks.

Use these words and phrases to refuse permission to do something:

I'm afraid not.

I'm sorry it's not possible...
I'm afraid you can't.