1. Impolite Polite
DON’T SAY SAY
I want another
hamburger
I’d like another hamburger
What? Could you repeat that, please?
You ‘re wrong I think you might be mistaken
Hey, where’s the
bathroom?
Excuse me, could you tell me where the
bathroom is?
Do this today It would be great if you could do this
today?
Who are you? May/ Could I ask / have your name?
Can I borrow your pen? Could I borrow your pen?
2. Impolite Polite
DON’T SAY SAY
Send me the picture Could you send me the picture?
What time is it? Excuse me, could you tell me the
time, please?
Where is the toilet? Excuse me, would you know the
bathroom is located?
Why is that? Could you clarify a little bit, please?
Yes Yes, please!
You didn’t explain this
point
I didn’t understand this point
You don’t understand
me
Perhaps I’m not making myself clear
Impolite Polite
DON’T SAY SAY
Do you have a business
card?
Do you mind if I take your business
card
Come here Could you come here
wait Can you hold, please?
Turn the voice down Would you mind turning down the
voice, please?
I need a pencil Would lend me a pencil, please?
Can I say something? Can I just say something here, please?
3. Impolite Polite
DON’T SAY SAY
Give me your business
card
Do you mind if I take your business
card?
Go away! Can we talk a little later?
You ‘re wrong I think you might be mistaken
His performance was
terrible
His performance was not very good
I don’t like it I don’t really like it, I’m afraid
I don’t like the colors in
this picture
I’d prefer to use different colors in this
picture
I hate this song I’m not very fond of this song
