How To Be More Diplomatic & Polite - Business English

There are times when we need to be direct in business, but there are also times when we need to be more diplomatic and polite. In this Business English lesson, I share 6 great tips to help you communicate successfully in meetings, negotiations & discussions.

Find out more about me:

Visit me on Social Media:

The 6 tips/chapters in this lesson:
0:00 Intro
1:27 1. Use softeners
4:22 2. Use negative questions
5:46 3. Listen and show understanding
6:53 4. Use the word "sorry"
7:36 5. Avoid negative words
8:44 6. Use modal verbs - could, would & might
9:29: Your turn! Try this task

The task
Can you make the following sentences more diplomatic & polite? Leave your answers in the comments:
1. There’s a problem with the software. (tip 1)
2. It would be cheaper to hire a freelancer. (tip 2)
3. A: He doesn’t have the right qualifications for the job.
B: I disagree! (tip 3)
4. Can I say something here? (tip 4 & 6)
5. I think that’s a stupid idea. (tip 5)
6. Can you send us more details please? (tip 6)

Music credits:
Intro music: Far Away by MK2
Background music: Honey and Milk by The 126ers

[kasogagorret]

your videos are too helpful and interesting, i did Business English as a Course Unit at University, i wish your were my lecturer!

[jazminceci]

1. There’s a problem with the software. (tip 1)
-I'm afraid there is a problem with the software.

2. It would be cheaper to hire a freelancer. (tip 2)
-Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer?

3. A: He doesn’t have the right qualifications for the job.
B: I disagree! (tip 3)
-I can see your point, but I believe he will be able to improve and be helpful to our team.

4. Can I say something here? (tip 4 & 6)
-Sorry, but could I just say somethnig here?

5. I think that’s a stupid idea. (tip 5)
-I don't think that's a brilliant idea.

6. Can you send us more details please? (tip 6)
-Could you send us more details please?

Thanks for your videos Derek! I am learning english, and these videos have helped me a lot!

[evieerlinashanti]

thanks you so much Derek for all your English lessons

[cyrusv.manesh]

1. There is a slight problem with the software.
2. Do you think we can lower our costs if we hire a freelancer?
3. I am sure with the support of our team and his learning skills, he can get it done.
4. Can I just add something here very quick?
5. I am not sure it is the best idea.
6. Could you please share more detailed information about this subject with me?

[amatullahali]

Your videos are really very helpful. These not just teach certain phrases but also gradually we tend to be polite and better at everyday conversations.

[saurabhrawat]

Derek you are a very good teacher, i like your way of teaching.

[fatmamulla]

Your videos are really very useful..I request you to plz make a video on how to welcome the guest in programme..Thank you

[josecarlosmanuel]

Very interesting insights, thanks a million

[yuriandrovov]

Excellent! thank you for sharing this topic...

[mannoog.naturelover]

Its really helpful to improve email writing and to make an implement into our communication at the same time.👍

[sukantkumarsahu]

1. It looks like there is a slight problem with the software.
2. Won't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer?
3. That may be true but I think we may give him a chance.
4. Sorry but may I say something here?
5. I don't think that's such a nice idea.
6. Could you send us a little more details?

[siwonnie]

- I’m afraid there’s a slight problem with the software.
- Wouldn’t it be a bit cheaper to hire a freelancer?
- That may be true, but I believe he can be considered fit for the job because of his many relevant experiences.
- Sorry, but can I just say something here?
- Sorry, but I don’t think that’s such a good idea.
- Could you please send us more details?

[dsu]

Thank you, sir. Your tips are too good. Could you be able to share more such tips on the same topic?
Here are my answers to the task you had given in the end of this video.
1. There’s a problem with the software. (tip 1)
It seems there is a slight problem with the software.
2. It would be cheaper to hire a freelancer. (tip 2)
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to hire a free lancer?

3. A: He doesn’t have the right qualifications for the job.
B: I disagree! (tip 3)
I can see your point, but I’m confident he will be able to manage it.
3. Can I say something here? (tip 4 & 6)
Sorry, could I just say something here?
4. I think that’s a stupid idea. (tip 5)
I don’t think that’s such a good idea.
5. Can you send us more details please? (tip 6)
Could you send us a little more details please?

[esraaadel]

1.) I’m afraid there’s a slight problem with the software
2.)Wouldn’t it be cheaper to hire a freelancer?
3.)I can see your point.However, I believe that he can handle the job
4.)Sorry, Could I say something here?
5.)Sorry, but I think it’s not a good idea
6.)Could you please send us more Details?

[marymungai]

1 There is a slight problem with the software.
2. I am afraid that he does not have the right qualification.
3. I can see you have a point but i am afraid i do not agree with that
4. Sorry but can i just say something here
5. I do not think that is a good idea.

6. We would like you to give us more details.
Thank you Sir for sharing the information it has helped me to improve a lot.

[hiddenbull]

Hello Derek I'm me 😅....From India and more support to you

[ernestosabatercalvet]

Thank you Derek for bringing such a great content to Youtube!!!

[foyedahmed]

These are the lessons I have been looking for. Thank you so much

[plataformadeespanol]

It's really useful and very clear. Thank you for this video!

[sarikartika]

1. I think there’s a slight problem with the software
2. Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer
3. That maybe true, but he has antusiasm and work hardest in company so what if we give him another chance?
4. Sorry, but could I just say something here? / Could I just say something here?
5. I don't think that’s a good idea.
6. Could you send us more details please?

Thank you for uploading useful content for usd Mr. Derek Callan! 😀