Homework AyF 31st October.

Click on the image to make it larger

Politeness is treating people with respect. Respect makes people feel good. People who feel good will do things for you.

It is safe to say that politeness should be present in all of our basic daily interactions, isn't it?  AyF students, you should pay special attention to this skill. Politeness is something that can be trained, practiced and easily put into action. Those of you who will be making business in a not-so-distant future need to learn how to get people to do things for you. 

That's what business is about, isn't it?

Try and solve the following exercise:  In each case you need to ask someone to do something for you. What do you say? The first one has already been done for you. 

Keep in mind that we don't use the same degree of formality with everyone: you won't speak to a friend the same way you would do to your boss. 

1. You have lost your calculator. Ask a colleague to lend you his.

- Could you lend me your calculator, please? I've lost mine. 

2. You want your secretary to type a letter for you. Her name is Morgan. 

3. You want somebody in your department to finish writing a report for you by Friday. 

4. You can't meet John McClane tomorrow because you've suddenly got to go to Paris on business. Ask a colleague to meet John McClane instead. 

5. You want your friend to get you a coffee. His name is Kevin. 

6. You can't attend the meeting tomorrow because you have a doctor's appointment. Ask your boss to postpone the meeting.

Politeness strategies are something to be learnt, do the exercise the best you can and we will go over it and other politeness-related issues on Tuesday.  

Enjoy your weekend!