Be Professional! Never say this at work! ❌

Summary

This video offers practical advice for improving communication in the workplace, particularly for non-native English speakers. Emma provides five common situations where professional responses are essential: when you don’t know the answer, when faced with deadlines, handling an upset person, keeping someone waiting, and clarifying misunderstandings. By using polite, solution-focused language and avoiding phrases like ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’ll try,’ viewers can enhance their professionalism. The video also promotes the Lingoda Language Marathon, a 90-day program designed to boost English skills quickly and effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Saying 'I don't know' is unprofessional in the workplace. Instead, say 'I'm not sure, but I can find out' or 'I'll find out for you' to sound more professional and helpful.
• 😀 When asked if something can be done by a certain time, avoid saying 'I'll try.' Instead, be clear and commit with phrases like 'I can get it done by 2pm.'
• 😀 If you're unable to meet a deadline, be honest and offer a realistic alternative, such as 'I can't do it by 2, but I can have it done by 4.'
• 😀 If dealing with an angry customer or boss, avoid freezing up. Acknowledge the issue by saying 'I understand,' and then offer a solution.
• 😀 Never tell someone 'things are just really busy' when keeping them waiting. Instead, use polite phrases like 'I'll be with you in a moment' or 'Sorry to keep you waiting, I'll be right there.'
• 😀 Avoid using 'What?' when you don't hear or understand someone. Instead, say 'I'm sorry, I missed that. Could you say it again, please?' to sound more professional.
• 😀 In professional settings, showing empathy is key. Phrases like 'I understand' help to acknowledge the other person's feelings and make them feel heard.
• 😀 The Lingoda Language Marathon can be an effective way to quickly improve your English skills, with the possibility of a full refund if completed successfully.
• 😀 When you don't have an immediate answer, offering to find out or get back to the person is a more professional response than simply saying 'I don't know.'
• 😀 Using inclusive language, such as 'let's see what we can do,' can make the other person feel involved in the solution, fostering teamwork and cooperation.

Q & A

Why is it important to choose the right words when speaking with customers or colleagues?

Choosing the right words helps maintain professionalism and shows you care about the situation. It influences how customers and colleagues perceive you and can lead to better outcomes in difficult situations.

What is the problem with saying 'I don't know' in a workplace setting?

'I don't know' can sound unhelpful and unprofessional, especially to a customer. It can give the impression that you don't care about finding a solution, which is why more proactive responses are recommended.

What is a more professional way to say 'I don't know'?

You can say 'I'm not sure, but I can find out' or 'I'll find out for you'. These phrases show a willingness to help and a commitment to providing a solution.

Why is saying 'I'll try' not ideal when asked to meet a deadline?

'I'll try' can sound non-committal and vague, which doesn't help establish a clear deadline. It's better to confidently commit to a specific time or offer an alternative if the original deadline isn't feasible.

What should you say if you can't meet a deadline?

Instead of saying 'I'll try', it's better to say something like 'I don't think I can manage it by 2pm, but I can have it done by 4pm.' This communicates honesty while offering a realistic alternative.

How should you respond if a customer or boss is upset or angry?

Acknowledge their feelings by saying 'I understand'. This simple phrase shows that you are listening and care about resolving the issue. Then, follow up with a possible solution.

What are some professional phrases to use when you're keeping someone waiting?

You can say 'I'll be with you in a moment' or 'Sorry to keep you waiting, I'll be right there.' These phrases let the person know you're aware of their time and that you will attend to them shortly.

Why is saying 'what?' unprofessional in a workplace setting?

'What?' can sound rude or dismissive. Instead, it's more polite and professional to say 'I'm sorry, I missed that. Could you say it again, please?'

How does the Lingoda Language Marathon help improve professional English skills?

The Lingoda Language Marathon is a structured, immersive program that encourages consistent learning through daily or semi-daily lessons. It helps participants improve their English quickly and stay motivated, with a refund incentive for successful completion.

What should you do if you don't understand someone clearly at work?

Politely ask them to repeat by saying something like 'Sorry, would you mind just repeating that for me?' This shows professionalism and a desire to understand correctly.