SMALL TALK

In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make small talk in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that breaks the ice or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is sometimes considered rude t say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments. WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY? WHO makes small talk? People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use small talk are those who do not know each other at all. Though we often teach children not to talk to strangers, adults are expected to say at least a few words in certain situations. It is also common for people who are only acquaintances, often called a friend of a friend, to use small talk. Other people who have short casual conversations are office employees who may not be good friends but work in the same department. Customer service representatives, waitresses, hairdressers and receptionists often make small talk with customers. If you happen to be outside when the mailman comes to your door you might make small talk with him too. WHAT do people make small talk about? There are certain safe topics that people usually make small talk about. The weather is probably the number one thing that people who do not know each other well discuss. Sometimes even friends and family members discuss the weather when they meet or start a conversation. Another topic that is generally safe is current events. As long as you are not discussing a controversial issue, such as a recent law concerning equal rights, it is usually safe to discuss the news. Sports news is a very common topic, especially if a local team or player is in a tournament

Polite Expression
In order to be polite when you are speaking English, you need to use these phrases correctly. Excuse Me. You say Excuse me when you want to go past somebody. You also say excuse me to somebody you do not know when you want to attract their attention. Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the station? Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? Sorry

You say sorry when you need to apologize for something small: Sorry I'm late. I beg your pardon is a formal expression: I beg your pardon! I must have picked up the wrong bag by mistake. Sorry or I'm sorry is used frequently in Britain English: I'm sorry, but do you think you could move your car? (I apologize in advance for any inconvenience.) In American English Pardon me and Excuse me are used for apologies: Excuse me/ pardon me, I didn't see you there. In British English you say Pardon? Or Sorry? And in American English Pardon me? Or Excuse me? When you did not hear or understand what somebody said and want them to repeat it: Pardon, could you say that again? It is not polite to say What? If you have not heard or understood something. I'm afraid You use the phrase I'm afraid when you want to apologize because you have to tell somebody something that they may not like: I'm afraid there's been an accident. Nina's not here at the moment, I'm afraid. Can I take a message? 'Do you have any decaffeinated coffee?' 'I'm afraid not.' 'Has the last bus gone?' 'I'm afraid so.' I wonder if You use expressions which show hesitancy when you are asking somebody to do something or asking for a favor: Could you just help me move this box, please? I wonder if I could have a copy of that letter. Would you mind if I felt a few minutes early today? Do you think I could borrow your car this evening?

Please You say Please when you ask for something. In British English it introduces or ends a request: Please could I have the menu? Could I have the menu, please? You also use please when you ask somebody to do something: Could you post this letter for me, please? Please could you post this letter for me? Thank You When somebody gives you something, or when you buy something or receive information. You are expected to say Thank you or Thanks. Some people may be offended if you say nothing. It is not usual to say anything in response to Thank you in British English, Although some people may say That's all right, That's okay or Don't mention it. In American English you're welcome is common. You say Thank you or Yes. Please when you want to accept something: 'How about another cup of coffee?' 'Thank you.' / 'Thanks.' / 'yes, please.' You say No, thank you or no, thanks when you want you want to refuse something: ' Would you like some more cake?' 'No, thank you.' / 'No, thanks,' Cheers Cheers is often used in informal British English to mean Thank you: 'Here's that $5 I owe you.' 'Oh, cheers.' You also say Cheers before you have a drink when you are with other people.

http://english-learn.blogspot.com.es/2005/05/polite-expression_07.html

Politely asking someone to do something

When we ask somebody to do something in a polite way, we can use this form: Would you mind + -ing form of verb Examples Would you mind passing me the salt, please? Would you mind closing the window? We can also ask somebody to not do something in the same way, using this form: Would you mind + not + -ing form of verb Examples Would you mind not smoking? Would you mind not shouting? We can also use the following forms to ask someone politely to do something: Would you (please) + base form Could you (please) + base form of verb Could I ask you to (please) + base form of verb Examples Would you pass me the salt? Could you please talk more quietly? Could I ask you to please help me? Similarily, when we want somebody to not do something we can use these forms: Would you (please) + not + base form Could you (please) + not + base form Could I ask you to (please) + not + base form Examples Would you please not shout? Could you please not smoke in here? Could I ask you to please not make so much noise?

Inviting someone to do something with "Do"

When we invite somebody to do something in a polite way, we can use this form:

Do + base form of verb Examples Do sit down. Do have some cake. Do come with us.

Politely interrupting
When we want to interrupt somebody we can use one of the following expressions: Sorry to bother you. Sorry to interrupt you. Sorry to disturb you. Sorry to trouble you.
http://www.oneworldofenglish.com/english_grammar_reference/politely_interrupting .htm

Polite words and expressions

hope

verb used in polite statements

seem

verb used when you want to say something in a more careful or polite and less direct way

respectfully

adverb used for showing that you are being polite

perhaps

adverb used as a polite reply to someone when you do not completely agree with what they have said

Id/wed be delighted

used for politely accepting an invitation, or agreeing or offering to do something

no disrespect (to)

used before you say something that might offend someone, to show that you do not intend to offend them

do you mind?

used for getting someones permission to do something. This can either be polite, impolite, or humorous. If someone says it in a loud way, they are showing that they are angry or annoyed

I took the liberty of doing something

used for telling someone that you have done something without their permission but you hope that they approve of this

excuse me

used for politely getting someones attention

excuse me

used for politely telling someone you are leavin

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/Polite-words-andexpressions

How to be Polite in English

Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts. Have you ever ordered at a restaurant in a foreign country only to get an ugly look from the waiter? Have you ever asked somebody to do you a favor, only then to have them refuse with an upset tone in their voice? Well, maybe your problem when speaking English comes down to a lack of politeness. The English language is full of these little formalities which can definitely determine whether youre going to make a good first impression on someone or not. We have this unspoken etiquette when asking for information, or even when were offering something and we have to take into consideration how we are offering it. Using please and thank you is necessary in most situations. In a lot of situations, people expect a sort of indirect way of speaking to each other, which in my opinion is a little silly. But hey, when in Rome do as the Romans do (follow the cultural rules wherever you are).

Making Requests/Asking For Something One of the first things I noticed when I came to brazil was the way people order things here. Not long after my arrival in Brazil I discovered the most amazing savory treat I had ever tasted The COXINHA!! So, very eager to test my Portuguese, I went down to the local snack bar to order one. Using my Portuguese dictionary, I said to the man,Com licenca, eu poderia ter uma coxinha por favor? Although he understood, he handed me the coxinha with a very peculiar look on his face. I realized this must have been a strange way to order something when I heard the guy next to me say, Ei, me d uma coxinha ai broder. When ordering in English, we have a standard of politeness. The most common way to order in English would be using: Can I/Could I Could I have a coxina please? Can I have a coke please? Could I order please? Can you lend me ten dollars? May I (used in more formal situations) May I attend the meeting next week? May I join you for lunch? Asking for Permission A good tip when travelling to another country is to always ask if youre unsure about the politeness of something. Sometimes what may be normal in your culture might be considered a little rude in someone elses culture. A good example would be how if here in Brazil I love to listen to Baile Funk music on my cell phone when taking the bus (without earphones obviously). So, if I was to do that in Australia, I would ask permission of the people around me first by using: Do you mind if I listen to my funk music really loudly / Would it be a problem if I listened to my funk music really loudly / I was wondering if I could listen to my funk music. These three expressions can be used in any situation when asking for permission. When asking this way we also have to use a softer tone of voice. The reason we do this is because we want the person to know that if its going to irritate them, they have the option of saying no without feeling uncomfortable. Sounds crazy right? Were so worried about offending the other person. Thats English for you. Not Understanding In English, when we dont understand what someone says, the first reaction would be to say sorry? (in a soft tone of voice). Not sorry like desculpa but sorry like oi? This is the most common way, and it is considered to be polite. In Portuguese, you guys use a different method: UHHHHH? Now that I have been living here for a while, I know that you are not being rude when you say this, but from a foreign perspective, especially when youre not familiar with the language, this can be kind of troubling. My first impression when someone said

this to me was Damn, Ive just offended this person in some way or My Portuguese is so bad that he or she is getting angry. So try avoiding this one in English. Instead, always use: Sorry? Its polite and they will repeat, maybe even simplify what they just said. Pardon (me)? A more polite way of saying sorry. This is sometimes used in a a more formal situation. Excuse me? This is asking the person to repeat. Depending on the tone of your voice, it could express shock at what the person said, or maybe that you didnt like the context of what they said. Turning Down an Invitation/ Disagreeing Last but not least, the awkwardness of having to say no to people. When travelling, or spending time in an English speaking country, we are always going to come across these situations. Ladies (Or guy for that matter), have you ever had to turn a guy down but didnt want to offend him? Or maybe you have had to disagree with someone, but you didnt want to be sound defensive. In English, we use these softening tools to make what we say not so so direct. Turning Down an Invitation

Im afraid I cant Id love to but That sounds great but

Disagreeing

I see what youre saying, but I think You could be right, but dont forget that Yes thats true, but Im not sure that

Hey dude, do you want to come to my sisters spelling bee? Hey, Id love to, but Josh is making spaghetti tonight. Hey sexy! I would love to buy you a drink. Oh, Im afraid I cant, I have boyfriend. Donkey Kong is the best game ever! I see what youre saying, but I think Mortal Kombat is the best game ever.

Sounding polite is obviously a personal choice everyone has to make on their own. There are some situations where we have to put our foot down, be demanding, and even rudeness could sometimes necessary from time to time. So, my advice to you all would be to always try to use these polite expressions when in a foreign country, as you can never be too sure what is considered rude or polite in their culture.
http://reallifebh.com/how-to-be-polite-in-english