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Esquina Cultural: Encontrando Maneras Apropiadas para Discutir |
Cultural Corner: Finding Polite Ways to Disagree by Jenny Juhnke It happens often: A customer or even a good friend asks something, but the listener knows their answer will be negative. What do you do, when this happens to you? How can you make the situation a little bit easier for both sides, especially if English is a second language for one side of the discussion? Here is one important suggestion, which the United Nations staff uses for their meetings and which many of my students practice in lessons: Start your answer with an introductory phrase, which tells the listener that what you are about to say may be a warning. Actually, Well, Frankly, To be honest, With respect, In fact, and I’m afraid—all of these are phrases which signal that the information coming next may be unpleasant. For example, “Can you come by tomorrow to do the repair?” can be answered with, “I’m afraid I will be busy tomorrow, but I am happy to find another day and time to schedule this work.” Using “I’m afraid” signals that you are going to say something disagreeable, but it’s much nicer than the usual, “NO, that doesn’t work for me.” To practice this tip and others, see page eight for more information about English classes in your local area. |