Good Manners: What to Say and Do (Polite English)

TRANSCRIPT

So first we'll talk about what you should say. The first one is using the word: "please". Now, everybody knows that you should say "please", but not everybody remembers to actually say it. So for example: if you go into a coffee shop, don't just say: "Coffee." Say: "Coffee, please." Or if you're asking someone else to do something, also remember: "Could you please turn off your cellphone?", for example. All right?

Next: remember to say "thank you" whenever somebody does something. "Thank you", "You're welcome": these are phrases that we do use very often in English. And it could be for anything simple like somebody holding the door for you or it could be for something more elaborate like somebody giving you a birthday present. Okay? The way you say it, say it from your heart. Okay? "Thank you.", "Thank you very much." And so on.

The next one is to say "sorry", or even better to say "I'm sorry", because "I'm sorry" is more personal. But otherwise, at least say "sorry". And again, you can say "sorry" for little things like perhaps stepping on someone's foot or if you bang into someone by mistake, you bump into someone by mistake somewhere in a crowded place, still apologize, say: "I'm sorry.", "I'm sorry.", "I'm sorry." Okay? We do use that quite often.

Next one: "Excuse me." Now, "excuse me" you can say when you sneeze. Right? [Achoo!]. "Excuse me." Or if you need to ask somebody for some information, you can say: "Excuse me, would you know where the nearest subway is?" Right? So this is a very useful expression and it's also a polite expression.

The next one is to remember to greet people and also to wish people. By greeting people, even at work if you're working in an English speaking environment, remember we do say "good morning", "good night", "happy birthday", "happy New Year", "congratulations". So greet people, and also wish them on the appropriate days. The next one might seem obvious also, but again, it's the way that you do it. Even if you work in an office, in the morning, we can say: "Hey, good morning. How are you?" And when you ask: "How are you?" even though you're not expected to give a full answer, but whatever answer someone gives you, remember to listen. Don't start talking right away. Wait to hear if the other person is saying: "Oh, pretty good. I'm fine. How are you?" Hear all of that before you start speaking about your own disposition, your own state of mind. Okay? Listen to the answer. All right? So these are six things that you must remember to do; they are taken for granted and they are expected of you.

Next: let's look at what you should do. This seventh one here says: "Smile." Smiling creates a more friendly environment and it's certainly expected. So try to do that, again, it doesn't mean you have to keep smiling, but when you meet someone, give them a smile. If you don't smile, they might think that you're nervous, they might think you're angry or unhappy about something. Okay? Or they might take it a little bit aggressively. So try to smile, it makes the... It also gives people the message that everything is okay, not just that you're happy to meet them, but that everything is fine with you. So it says two things: something about you and something about the other person.

Next: shake hands. Now, that's usually in a more business-like situation; in an office or somewhere, and certainly when you meet somebody for the first time. In an English speaking environment, you are expected to shake hands and shake hands rather firmly. Don't shake hands very weakly or just hold a part of the hand. Hold the entire hand and shake it firmly. All right? That's, again, part of the office expectation and the business norm.

[mbayifidele]

In this world without good manners, it`s so important to help people getting them and for that Dear Rebecca, please I do congretulate you. I like it so much because I grew up in a family that focused on good manners. Thank you very much.

[cristinaserafim]

It was very brave of you to cover all these topics, specially DISTANCE + BODY ODOR. I do enjoy watching your vídeos very much. You have a special way to pass on information. As usual, congrats on this one, too.

[Mortician]

I am good mannered all the time. From my experience I either get two responses right off, taken as surprise, or taken as a sign of weakness. Then a third response comes later, and that's gratitude.

[mrrock]

I always can to understand all that you say. I really love your classrooms!Greetings from Brazil!

[ginasenaijc]

I think this video is great and it will very helpful for exchange students coming to USA. Body odor is so important!! That's a reason for why so many people won't host students from another countries.

[rosannamagliani]

Thank you Rebecca I'am improving my English with your lessons
Best regards
Rosanna

[sanjaynichite]

You are a best english teacher. Your teaching skill is marvelous.

[Love_You_Bangladesh]

Thank you very much 🥰
This is very important and everyone should know these things...

Love and respect from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[roberthok]

Excellent advice, especially for the new comers. You make the world the better place for every one.

[kutiaugustine]

Thank you Rebecca, I appreciate your lecturing very much.
Might the lord continue to bless you for the grateful service you offers.

[Denisebemmett]

Americans themselves need this guidance. It is mind blowing how many people that do not even practice half of these manners. God bless us all.🙏

[DenisKA]

I have been watching your videos for forty days. Thank you. Your lessons are like a piece of cake.

[franzstolzer]

Rebecca you are a good teacher, who speaks from her heart !!

[mangorwolkuol]

These are good habits not taught in schools. Thank you for this awesome lesson.

[kavithalayam]

Saying sorry and excuse me is what everyone expects from others. This is very useful to all

[shabbirhussain]

Ms Rebecca, you are an excellent teacher.

[KiranJadhav-kcgr]

One of the best, I have never learnt /understood in past.

[omanasbenstita]

thank you my best teatcher . i am learning english in order to find a job in a foreign country you are helping me .

[paulafelix]

Wonderful, Rebecca! This is much more than English, it's education!
Unfortunately, many people don't receive it.
Thank you for helping to build a better society.
I love your work! 🙏😊✨

[connorwilcox]

I am looking for these videos because I am moving, and in the culture I move to, it is still the average American culture, not needing to have high standards. However, I want to improve and impress my teachers and classmates, except, I want to use manners, instead of trying to impress by doing cool things. I know the basics and things, but please, if you have any suggestions, I would love it if you replied. Signing out.