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5 Tips For Polite and Diplomatic Language: 1. Listen and Be Understanding
5 Tips For Polite and Diplomatic Language: 1. Listen and Be Understanding
If you're too direct when you speak you can come across as aggressive (1) and this might put people
off. This is true in b_ _ _ _ _ _s (2) meetings and negot_ _ _ _ _ _ _(3) (never take things personally
in negotiating), but also in many other day to day situations.
Here are 5 ways you can make your English more polite, ind_ _ _ _ _(4) and diplomatic. Follow these
tips and you should make the right impr_ _ _ _ _ _(5) when you talk to people.
If you show other people that you are listening to them, and that you understand them, they will
be more willing to listen to you and ac_ _ _ _ (6) your op_ _ _ _ _ (7). Don't just say "I disagree",
show them that you are listening and that you understand them before you explain your opinion.
Yes, but...
For example:
Yes, but we might not get another opportunity like this for a while.
I think we should ask for a 20% discount because it will show them that we are serious.
I see what you mean, but I think 20% might be a bit too much. It might put them off.
2. Avoid negative words - instead use p_ _ _ _ _ _ _(8) words in a negative
form
People react to positive sounding words, even if they are used with a negative auxiliary.
I don't think that's such a good idea. They might see through it.
This word can be used in many ways: to interrupt, to apologise, to show you don't understand, to
disagree. It diffuses tension and it allows you to start a statement more comfortably.
Can you use: normally, usually, maybe if and do you think that?….. to soften statements? Think of
some examples.
This is aggressive and too direct. Try to avoid saying 'you' and put the focus on 'I' or 'we'.
So, these are my 5 pieces of advice for being polite and diplomatic. Try to use them when you are
speaking and you will become a more effective communicator in English.