'Why don't you join us?' – Make, accept, refuse invitations | Business of English #2 | ABC Australia

Summary

The video script focuses on the nuances of making, accepting, and declining invitations in a semi-formal business context. It emphasizes the importance of phrasing invitations as suggestions to ease the pressure on the invitee, encouraging polite responses with gratitude. The script outlines various ways to decline an invitation while maintaining courtesy, including providing excuses without detailed explanations. Additionally, it highlights the significance of confirming arrangements casually and politely, ensuring mutual agreement. Overall, the video serves as a practical guide to enhancing interpersonal communication in business settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use semi-formal language when inviting someone, making it sound like a suggestion.
• 😀 Polite invitations should use 'could' and 'would' instead of 'can' and 'will.'
• 😀 Always thank the person for the invitation before responding.
• 😀 Provide a reason when declining an invitation to avoid appearing rude.
• 😀 It's acceptable to be vague about other commitments when making an excuse.
• 😀 Use phrases like 'Perhaps you could join us later?' to leave the invitation open.
• 😀 Confirm arrangements by asking questions about the meeting place and time.
• 😀 Use upward intonation when confirming plans to indicate openness and politeness.
• 😀 Utilize phrases such as 'I hope you don't mind' to seek approval politely.
• 😀 Frame invitations as suggestions to make it easier for others to decline gracefully.

Q & A

What was the purpose of Sam Eriks' invitation?

Sam invited Victor and his associate to a small dinner for clients and friends.

How does Victor respond to the initial dinner invitation?

Victor expresses gratitude, saying, 'That's very kind of you,' but indicates he needs to check with his associate.

What are some polite phrases suggested for extending an invitation?

Polite phrases include 'Why don't you join us?', 'Perhaps you could join us?', and 'It would be great if you could join us.'

What should one do when declining an invitation?

One should thank the inviter and provide a reason for declining, such as 'Unfortunately, I have another engagement.'

What is a polite way to excuse oneself from an invitation without giving a detailed reason?

A polite excuse could be, 'I'm afraid I have another commitment,' which implies prior obligations without specifics.

How does Walter confirm his attendance for drinks after the dinner?

Walter confirms by saying, 'That sounds great. I'd be happy to. Where shall we meet?'

What phrases can be used to suggest a meeting time and place?

Phrases such as 'How about the lounge bar here, at about ten?' invite feedback and show flexibility.

Why is it important to express gratitude when responding to invitations?

Expressing gratitude acknowledges the invite and shows politeness, which is essential in maintaining good business relations.

What is the significance of using 'perhaps' in invitations?

Using 'perhaps' makes the invitation sound less demanding, allowing the other person to feel less pressured to accept.

What is a key takeaway about confirming arrangements from the script?

Confirming arrangements should involve upward intonation when suggesting times, making it clear that feedback is welcome.