10 Ways of Politely Making Requests in English to Communicate Confidently

Summary

In this Advanced English lesson, Mary Daphne shares ten effective and polite ways to make requests, contrasting them with impolite demands. She highlights that phrases like 'You are required to...' sound more like orders than requests. Instead, she suggests using expressions such as 'Could you please...', 'Would you mind...', and 'If you have a spare moment...' to foster a cooperative and courteous communication style. By adopting these polite forms, learners can enhance their interactions, making it more likely for others to respond positively to their requests.

Takeaways

• 😀 Polite requests are more effective than demands, fostering a cooperative atmosphere.
• 😀 Avoid passive language like 'you are required to' as it can sound like an order.
• 😀 Use 'Could you please...' to make a gentle and polite request.
• 😀 'Would you mind...?' is a courteous way to ask for assistance and implies willingness.
• 😀 Phrases like 'When you get a chance, can you...?' respect the other person's time.
• 😀 'If you're available...' shows consideration for the other person's schedule.
• 😀 'Do you think you could...?' invites help while acknowledging the difficulty of the task.
• 😀 'Would you be able to...?' offers flexibility and acknowledges potential constraints.
• 😀 Simple requests like 'Can you...?' can also be effective when used appropriately.
• 😀 'Would it be possible to...?' expresses a polite inquiry about options.

Q & A

Why are the initial examples considered impolite requests?

The initial examples are considered impolite because they are framed as demands or requirements, using passive voice. They imply an obligation rather than a request, which can be perceived negatively.

What is the significance of using 'Could you please' in making requests?

'Could you please' is a polite way to ask someone to do something, as it softens the request and gives the person the option to decline.

What does 'Would you mind' imply in a request?

'Would you mind' implies that the requester is considering the other person's feelings and is open to them saying no, making it a respectful way to ask.

How should one interpret an affirmative response to 'Would you mind'?

An affirmative response to 'Would you mind' is typically 'No, I wouldn't mind,' which means the person is willing to help.

What does the phrase 'When you get a chance' indicate?

'When you get a chance' indicates that the requester acknowledges the other person's schedule and is asking for assistance at their convenience.

What does the expression 'a second pair of eyes' mean?

The expression 'a second pair of eyes' means asking someone to review your work for errors or improvements, similar to seeking a second opinion.

What does it mean to say 'I have a lot on my plate'?

'I have a lot on my plate' means that someone has many responsibilities or tasks to manage, which can feel overwhelming.

Why is 'Would it be possible to' considered a polite phrasing?

'Would it be possible to' is a polite way to ask for something, as it shows respect for the other person's ability to grant the request.

How does the phrase 'If you have a spare moment' function in a request?

'If you have a spare moment' functions as a polite qualifier that allows the other person to prioritize their time, making the request less demanding.

What is the overall goal of using polite requests in communication?

The overall goal of using polite requests is to foster a respectful and cooperative interaction that is more likely to elicit a positive response from the other person.