Kind, Polite English for Work [Professional English Skills]

Summary

In this video, Annemarie from Speak Confident English shares strategies to help non-native speakers sound more polite and friendly in English. She recounts how a student once felt discouraged after being told she didn’t sound friendly, which led Annemarie to develop lessons on softening language. The video introduces four key strategies: using modals, changing grammar, employing vague language, and using negative questions. Annemarie explains how each approach can adjust the tone of conversations in professional and personal contexts, helping speakers become more flexible and confident in their English communication.

Takeaways

• 😊 The video helps learners build confidence in polite, kind English for work and life situations.
• 📅 The video references a story from 2016 about a student who felt discouraged after being told she didn't sound friendly in English.
• 🔄 Different languages may have clearer ways of distinguishing formality and politeness, but English uses strategies to achieve this.
• 👍 Modals like 'could,' 'should,' and 'would' soften language, making direct requests more polite and formal.
• 📝 Changing grammar tenses from simple present to progressive or past tense can make language more indirect and polite.
• 📊 Vague language (e.g., 'a little,' 'kind of') helps to soften direct statements or criticisms.
• 💡 Negative questions (e.g., 'Don't you think?') make suggestions or opinions more diplomatic.
• 💬 The speaker emphasizes that it's important to be flexible with language depending on the situation or person you're speaking to.
• 🧠 The video offers examples of when direct or assertive language is appropriate, especially in work settings.
• 🎯 Two challenge questions are posed at the end of the lesson to encourage immediate practice of polite English strategies.

Q & A

What was the main issue the student faced that prompted the creation of the lessons?

The student felt frustrated and discouraged because a coworker commented that she didn't sound very friendly in English, despite her efforts to be polite and friendly.

What are the key differences between direct, assertive, and aggressive language versus indirect, soft, or diplomatic language in English?

Direct language can be clear and to the point, assertive language is confident and respectful, while aggressive language can be harsh and offensive. Indirect language is more subtle, soft language is gentle and kind, and diplomatic language is tactful and considerate.

How do some languages make it easier to recognize and use differences in politeness or formality?

Some languages have informal and formal versions of words like 'you' and use different word endings, which helps to distinguish the level of formality and politeness.

What strategies can be used to soften language in English?

Strategies include using modals, changing grammar tense, using vague language, and employing negative questions to be more diplomatic.

Why is it sometimes appropriate to be assertive or direct in English?

It is appropriate to be assertive or direct when it is necessary to convey a clear message, especially in professional settings or when giving instructions.

How can modals like could, should, might, and would change the tone of a sentence?

Using modals can transform a direct order or aggressive question into a polite request, softening the language and increasing formality or politeness.

What is the effect of changing grammar tense on politeness and formality in English?

Changing from the present simple tense to the progressive form or past tense can make the language sound more indirect and polite.

How does using vague language contribute to politeness in English?

Using vague language such as 'a little,' 'a bit,' 'not quite,' 'kind of,' and 'slightly' makes statements less direct and more polite.

Why are negative questions effective for diplomatic communication?

Negative questions can be a subtle way to make suggestions or give advice without sounding commanding or confrontational.

What are the two challenge questions provided at the end of the script?

The first challenge is about how to politely request a change in a meeting time with a boss, and the second is about how to formally and politely ask a potential client to repeat something they said during a meeting.

What is the main goal of the strategies taught in the script?

The main goal is to provide learners with the flexibility to choose what they want to say in English and how they want to say it, to best express themselves in different situations.