How to Ask for Something Politely [Advanced English Conversation]

Summary

In this engaging English lesson from Go Natural English, Gabby and Vanessa discuss the importance of asking for things politely, emphasizing that English speakers often avoid making direct demands. They provide practical examples of polite phrases, such as 'Do you mind?' and 'I would like,' contrasting them with less polite alternatives. The lesson highlights various contexts for polite requests, aiming to enhance learners' conversational skills. The video encourages viewers to join their complete English course for more insights and tips on effective communication in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Politeness is essential in English requests; it shows respect and fosters positive communication.
• 🤔 Using questions rather than commands makes requests sound more polite.
• 💧 The phrase 'Do you mind...?' is a common way to ask for something politely.
• ⏰ 'Would it be possible...?' is ideal for professional contexts where permission is needed.
• 🥗 'I'd like...' is a courteous expression, particularly useful in dining situations.
• 👎 Avoid direct demands like 'Give me...'; they can come off as rude.
• 🔄 The tone and choice of words can significantly impact how a request is perceived.
• 📝 Common mistakes include phrasing that isn't actually a question, like 'Is it okay if I...?' without proper intonation.
• 💬 The hosts encourage viewers to practice these polite phrases in real conversations.
• 📚 Joining the waitlist for their complete English course offers more detailed insights and tips on communication.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the English lesson presented by Gabby and Vanessa?

The lesson focuses on how to ask for something politely in English, emphasizing the importance of tone and word choice.

Why is it important to ask politely in English?

Asking politely is important because it shows respect for the other person, especially when communicating with native speakers.

What is one way to ask for something politely mentioned in the lesson?

One way is to use the phrase 'Do you mind?' which turns a demand into a polite request.

What was the bad example given for asking for water?

The bad example was 'Bring me some water right now,' which comes off as rude and demanding.

How does the phrase 'Would it be possible?' function in a request?

'Would it be possible?' is a polite way to ask for permission or a favor, making the request sound more respectful.

What alternative phrase is suggested for 'Give me a salad'?

The suggested alternative is 'I'd like a salad,' which is more polite and appropriate in a dining context.

What common mistake do students make when asking if they can make a request?

Students often incorrectly say 'It's okay if I,' which is not phrased as a proper question. The correct form is 'Is it okay if I...?'

What is the significance of tone and phrasing in English requests?

Tone and phrasing are crucial in English because they convey politeness and respect, especially in formal situations.

What do Gabby and Vanessa encourage viewers to do at the end of the lesson?

They encourage viewers to subscribe to their channel and join the waitlist for their complete English course.

What resources do Gabby and Vanessa offer for further learning?

They offer a complete English course that includes detailed lessons, common mistakes to avoid, and the opportunity for personalized feedback.