Being polite in English
How to say it the nice way - is one important question people ask in Business English seminars.
How 'nice' do I have to be?
And what IS 'nice' ?
For me the answer is chrystal clear - in general you can not be TOO nice. Intercultural communication has one big danger zone - and this is definitely the issue of politeness. What one nation sees as polite enough another might find offending and simply rude.
On top of the phrasing, the intonation might cause misunderstandings. You might sound impolite simply because of your way of saying things - not only because of the choice of words - but because of the way you stress them. So - better be nice and do not take a risk here.
How 'nice' do I have to be?
And what IS 'nice' ?
For me the answer is chrystal clear - in general you can not be TOO nice. Intercultural communication has one big danger zone - and this is definitely the issue of politeness. What one nation sees as polite enough another might find offending and simply rude.
On top of the phrasing, the intonation might cause misunderstandings. You might sound impolite simply because of your way of saying things - not only because of the choice of words - but because of the way you stress them. So - better be nice and do not take a risk here.
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Easy to say - but what makes me sound polite and agreeable in English? How do I DO this?
In my eyes trying to copy the intonation of native speakers of English is not the solution for everyone. Some have an ear for such things and can copy this AND sound natural after a while. But this does not go for everyone.
A much better way is to learn about so called 'softeners' - that is words which help you to set the right tone.
In my eyes trying to copy the intonation of native speakers of English is not the solution for everyone. Some have an ear for such things and can copy this AND sound natural after a while. But this does not go for everyone.
A much better way is to learn about so called 'softeners' - that is words which help you to set the right tone.
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It's urgent ! No time for niceties?
On the other hand you often need to communicate that something is rather urgent and apply a bit more pressure. Here again it's vital to know how to do this effectively - and in a way that doesn't slam the door shut.
On the other hand you often need to communicate that something is rather urgent and apply a bit more pressure. Here again it's vital to know how to do this effectively - and in a way that doesn't slam the door shut.
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So, let's start today with a little series I call
'Get your P's & A's right - Politeness & Assertiveness that works '
Would you please click here and follow me.
assertiveness = Bestimmtheit