Conversational English - How to make polite requests

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of politeness in communication, offering various expressions to make polite requests. She introduces phrases like 'please,' 'could you please,' and 'would you mind,' highlighting their versatility across different contexts—from banks to restaurants to home settings. By contrasting direct commands with polite requests, she illustrates how simple changes in language can enhance kindness and improve interactions. Ultimately, the lesson encourages viewers to adopt these polite expressions to foster a more respectful and pleasant environment in their daily lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Politeness is crucial in interactions, as it influences how others respond to requests.
• 🙌 Using the word 'please' is a simple yet effective way to make requests more courteous.
• 🤔 'Could you please?' is the preferred expression for making polite requests in various contexts.
• 💼 'Would you?' is a formal alternative that still conveys politeness in professional settings.
• 😌 'Can you?' is considered less polite than 'Could you?' and is more casual in tone.
• 🔍 'Would you mind?' implies asking if someone has any objection to fulfilling a request, with a positive response indicated by 'No.'
• 🏦 In a banking context, using polite language can improve the customer experience, e.g., 'Could you please fill out this form?'
• 🍽️ In restaurants, requests like 'Could you please bring us some water?' sound kinder than direct commands.
• 📞 In call centers and professional environments, diplomacy is essential; opt for polite requests like 'Could you please give me your phone number?'
• 🏠 At home, using polite requests fosters kindness, e.g., 'Could you please turn off the TV?'

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rebecca's lesson?

The main focus of Rebecca's lesson is to teach how to be polite to others and how to make requests in a way that increases the likelihood of getting a positive response.

Why is 'Could you please?' considered a favorite expression?

'Could you please?' is favored because it is polite and versatile, making it suitable for various contexts.

How does Rebecca differentiate between 'Can you?' and 'Could you?'

Rebecca explains that 'Can you?' is more casual and less polite compared to 'Could you?', which is appropriate for formal situations.

What is unique about the phrase 'Would you mind?'

'Would you mind?' is unique because a positive response to the question involves saying 'No,' which can be confusing but signifies consent.

Can you provide an example of a polite request in a restaurant setting?

An example of a polite request in a restaurant is saying, 'Could you please bring us some water?' instead of just saying 'Bring us some water.'

What should you avoid saying when requesting information in a call center?

You should avoid saying things like 'Give me your name' or 'Give me your address.' Instead, use phrases like 'Could you please give me your phone number?'

How does politeness impact relationships at home?

Politeness at home is crucial as it fosters kindness and respect among family members, making interactions more pleasant.

What example does Rebecca give for making a request on the phone?

Rebecca suggests instead of saying 'Speak a little louder,' one should say, 'Could you please speak a little louder? I'm afraid I can't hear you.'

How does Rebecca suggest improving global interactions?

Rebecca suggests that by making polite requests and being kind in personal interactions, we can collectively create a more pleasant global experience.

Where can viewers take a quiz related to the lesson?

Viewers can take a quiz related to the lesson by visiting the website www.engvid.com.