How to complain politely - English In A Minute

Summary

The video offers a guide on how to politely express complaints in a British manner. It suggests using phrases like 'I would like to' when stating a request, and 'I am unhappy about' to voice dissatisfaction, making it stronger with words like 'really' or 'very.' The script also advises saying 'it's unacceptable that' to emphasize frustration while maintaining composure. It reminds viewers not to lose their temper, as this is considered rude, and offers a polite way to address others' anger by saying, 'Don't lose your temper.'

Takeaways

• 😊 You can complain politely by using 'would like to' to express what you want.
• 📞 Start with 'I would like to speak to the manager' when initiating a polite complaint.
• 😕 Use 'I am unhappy about' plus a noun phrase to express dissatisfaction.
• 😡 Strengthen the complaint with 'really' or 'very' for emphasis, like 'I'm really unhappy about this.'
• 🚫 Saying 'It's unacceptable that' plus a clause makes your complaint more formal and serious.
• 😌 Avoid losing your temper while complaining, as it's considered rude.
• 👍 Staying calm while complaining is essential for maintaining politeness.
• 🗣️ 'Alright, don't lose your temper' is a helpful phrase to calm someone who is getting too angry.
• 🧠 Being composed and using clear language helps in making a stronger, more polite complaint.
• 🎯 Politeness and composure are key in delivering complaints effectively, especially in British culture.

Q & A

What is the first suggested phrase for making a polite complaint?

The first suggested phrase is to use 'I would like to,' such as in 'I would like to speak to the manager.'

How can you express dissatisfaction using 'unhappy' in a complaint?

You can express dissatisfaction by saying 'I am unhappy about,' followed by a noun phrase, like 'I am unhappy about my late delivery.'

How can you make your complaint stronger using the word 'really'?

You can make your complaint stronger by adding 'really' or 'very' to emphasize your dissatisfaction, for example, 'I'm really unhappy about this.'

What phrase is recommended to show that a situation is unacceptable?

You can say 'It's unacceptable that,' followed by a clause, for instance, 'It's unacceptable that my delivery is late.'

What should you avoid doing when making a complaint?

You should avoid losing your temper, as it is considered rude to become too angry during a complaint.

What phrase can you use to calm someone who is becoming too angry?

You can say 'Alright! Don't lose your temper' to calm someone who is getting too angry.

Why is it important not to lose your temper when complaining?

It’s important because losing your temper is considered rude, and staying calm helps maintain politeness in the conversation.

Can 'would like to' be used in both requests and complaints?

Yes, 'would like to' can be used for both requests and complaints, such as 'I would like to speak to the manager' and 'I would like to complain.'

What effect does adding 'very' or 'really' have in a complaint?

Adding 'very' or 'really' intensifies the complaint, showing that you are more strongly dissatisfied.

Is it acceptable to become angry when making a complaint in British culture?

No, it is generally not acceptable to lose your temper when making a complaint in British culture. Staying polite and composed is preferred.