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.
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WATCH PART 2: • How To Be Diplomatic &...
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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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Get your FREE Professional English Phrase Booster here: bit.ly/phrasebooster

[@foyedahmed9857]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome! Glad you discovered my channel 😀👍

[@ernestosabatercalvet]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

It’s a pleasure, Ernesto 😊👍

[@amatullahali1835]

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.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Very happy to hear that, Amatullah!

[@Rockstar07799]

Really tons of thank you for your educative video!!☺️

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure, Vinayak!

[@bibianabar]

Wow, I am so excited about your videos. The material is so helpful to improve my level of English. Bunch of thanks.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome 😃👍

[@plataformadeespanol8076]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome!

[@joycea.1262]

This one is a big help.. thank you Derek!😊❤

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You're so welcome!

[@kasogagorret8908]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Wow! Thanks for the lovely comment 😊

[@cathinliu8885]

Hi Derek, much appreciation for your guidence.it helps me a lot.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure!

[@evieerlinashanti9854]

thanks you so much Derek for all your English lessons

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure!

[@vraya9516]

This video helps me a lot. Thank you very much. 😃🙏

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad to hear that, Vraya 😊

[@tesfayekebebe2553]

Thank very much. Your lessons are very helpful. Keep posting this kinds of lessons for professional.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

I’ll do my best 👍

[@yigitsengul7121]

Great stuff..Tons of Thank You Derek !!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@mannoog.naturelover4148]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you find it helpful Manoo 👍

[@sylassaint6820]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost my account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

[@JaishreeJoshita]

Hi Derek, i saw your lesson, and m totally convinced by your teaching skills.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Cool, thanks!

[@prashantlolge-vp5vg]

Thank you for bringing such a good learnings on you tube.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure!

[@yuriandrovov]

Excellent! thank you for sharing this topic...

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome!

[@gpsharma19]

Excellent VDO Sir, I am learning a lot with you. Thank You

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure, Gauri!

[@cyrusv.manesh4957]

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?

[@gayaniperera9825]

Great . Very helpful .Thank you very much !❤️

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TrangNguyen-np8my]

It’s really helpful. Thank you!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re welcome!

[@eminekilimci]

ı find all of them very useful thanks a million Mr. Callan. Go ahead.....

[@saurabhrawat8887]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks, Saurabh 😊👍

[@farhakhan2028]

Thanks for nice explanation and examples

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure, Farha! Glad you like it 👍

[@ReliableEdu]

Your all videos are very helpful.!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Happy to hear that, Shahzad!

[@sorangelcruz1014]

Me encanta todos tu videos a la verdad me sacaron de apuros!!!!!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great!

[@u0386]

Very useful contents. Thank you!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great! Glad you find it useful 😊

[@Mikarito]

Super useful content. Thank you so much

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lucianavaz9241]

This is fantastic. Thank u

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re welcome, Luciana!

[@mariemcherkaoui8525]

thanks so much .u deserve all the best

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@gayanichandrasiri5543]

Thanks a lot, the great lesson.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No problem 😌

[@shailavijay1]

Hi Derek, Really very informative content. :)

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you think so, Shailaja!

[@samuelankome5999]

its really helpful sir. thank you derek

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickmukad]

Great content ! Thanks.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks!

[@chayanikadasgupta3109]

Excellent suggestions sir Thank you so much.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You're very welcome!

[@YerketanSaikhadenova]

Hi Derek, thank you for amazing videos. I am learning a lot with you 🤗

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi Yerketan! Thanks so much for the positive feedback 😊

[@josecarlosmanuel5865]

Very interesting insights, thanks a million

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hananelahouel7423]

Thank you so much for your videos

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You are so welcome!

[@hariharanramani2786]

Very useful channel. Keep posting key stuff :)

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks, will do!

[@saifullah6640]

Very good way of teaching

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks!

[@fatmamulla5943]

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

[@engamen87]

Wonderful phrases Great package

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you liked it, Armin!

[@asthanaeducationalpointvoc8992]

Your videos are really excellent.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks very much 😊

[@sarahbrown267]

This is a really great video.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks, Sarah 👍

[@sajisaji4111]

❤️🙏 it really useful for me to handle employers. thank you very much

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re welcome!

[@Omar-jy1gr]

Thanks!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No problem!

[@kabirulhasanhasan9236]

Excellent.. Presentation.. Immaculate..

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you like it 👍

[@sitharaps6895]

Really helpful.. Thanks

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great! You’re welcome 👍

[@karthickp3580]

It was very helpful..... thank u

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Happy to hear that, Karthick 👍

[@oflureis3000]

Thank you sir!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No problem 👍

[@sofiyainamdar4195]

Your all vedio is very helpful for me ...Thank you so much and lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

That’s great to hear!

[@EllieOK]

Thank you so much!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No problem!

[@piyanuchfuengparnitjaroen3210]

This is very useful lesson for me.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad to hear that!

[@meriembouchachia7441]

Thank you for your amazing videos , ✨ !! It would be great if we could organize google meetings in order to practice with you sir !

[@sfs25c]

Really your videos are very useful.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks, Deshbir!

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Your content is very informative

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great! Glad you find it informative, Muttanna.

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Excellent.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks 😊

[@farhaneid1596]

it's so helpful video

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks! A quick tip for you: it’s such a helpful video 👍😉

[@bamununishantha2390]

Thank you sir

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome!

[@sakhiabdellah2884]

Thank you more

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Any time!

[@KamleshSingh-cx1sf]

Wow amazing skills

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks!

[@rameshrasoori4669]

Amazing

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thank you!

[@estebanstock3748]

Derek, your channel is amazing!. And this lesson is really helpful for everyday meetings. Regards

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi Esteban! Thanks so much for the positive feedback 😊👍

[@dodoabuamrah9621]

Very nice video thanks ☺️

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

😊👍

[@amreeshprabhat8449]

Thanks a lot.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No worries!

[@playlistajsy4486]

Hi derek. Excellent info. Tq Will you please explain about listed 1) how to discusss with techincal team to resolve any software issue 2) request some one for docs 3) how to request positively for reply from customers awaited for long time 4) email skills for documents review and comments correction I'm facing multiple challenges. I can speack english and understand well too. But my boss continuously saying that you should improve mail write upl skills

[@anhavikascreativity354]

Very informative content....... 👍✔️😊

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you like it 👍

[@mohdsayeedurrahmanrahman310]

Please make a video on writing business mail which includes greeting, starting line, subjective info, ended line.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi there! I have lots of email lessons here: kzbin.info/aero/PL2fUZ7TZy_xdRNAVRIARitkqDAxeUXVJ-

[@kouadiothierryndri9403]

I always follow you and I'm very satisfied with your videos.please I'd like to know how to teach vocabulary professionally.Thank you,sir!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks for following, Kouadio! Are you a teacher or learner of English? Or maybe both? I usually focus on creating content for learners and not so much for teachers. However, it could be an idea for the future - or maybe even a separate channel... don't think I could manage that at the moment! One channel is more than enough! Thanks again for your comment 👍

[@martinjokes1610]

Changing the subject for a minute

[@changhongou1721]

I am facing some difficulties with writing business email politly, thank you for your vedio, so helpful!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Check out my email lessons - kzbin.info/aero/PL2fUZ7TZy_xdRNAVRIARitkqDAxeUXVJ-

[@changhongou1721]

@@derekcallan-englishforpros thank you so much!

[@renantbolrs]

Awesome video. Thank you very much!!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great! My pleasure 😊

[@user-ox7jl1ek4j]

This is very useful lesson. Thank you!!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

My pleasure! Glad you find it useful!

[@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!

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Excellent work, Jazmin! Glad my videos are helping you!

[@maher-s5515]

brilliant...

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks!

[@hamzaazr]

thanks.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

No problem!

[@shwethahs370]

Love you ❤️ hero

[@efetoborejeremiah1513]

I love you from the first few secs. Thank you

[@trishipathak]

helpful

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad you think so, Trishi 👍

[@amnagull2583]

Hi Derek, Your way to explain is amazing..could you please share your previous tips on how to convey our thinking to others on email...i have a great problem....I cannot convey my message properly to others...or you can say communication with wants to improve on emails...

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi Amna, you can find all of my email lessons here: kzbin.info/aero/PL2fUZ7TZy_xdRNAVRIARitkqDAxeUXVJ-

[@siwonnie13]

- 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?

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Brilliant job, fluffy!

[@sarikartika9784]

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! 😀

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

You’re very welcome! Great job 👍

[@dsu008]

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?

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great work! Watch part 2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYqtqWR6g8qqr6s

[@madushankawickramarathne5359]

great

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks!

[@nerorama]

Thank you for this amazing video and for such precise explanation 1.)I think there is a little problem with the software. 2.)Wouldn't it be a bit cheaper to hire a freelancer. 3.)I see where you are coming from but I am quite confident if given a chance he will amaze us all. 4.)Could I just say something here. 5.)I don't think that's a good idea. 6.)Could you send us a little more details.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi Nero! Sorry for the late reply. My feedback: 1.) Very good, but "slight problem" would would better 2.) Great! 3.) Brilliant! 4.) Very good. Maybe add a "Sorry" at the start 5.) Great! 6.) Good! Add a please here and use few instead of little - "Could you send us a few more details please? Glad you liked the lesson!

[@1994asoom]

Hi, thank you for the free beautiful lessons that you giving us, I am going to write down the answers.. 1-I think that we have problem with software. 2-would it be cheaper if we hire a freelancer. 3-you may be true, but i think if you give him a chance you may change your mind. 4- sorry,but can i say something here? 5-I don’t think that’s a good idea. 6-we would like to have more details from you as soon as possible.

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hi there! Great effort. Let me give you some feedback: 1 - pretty good, but better if you say "I think we have a slight problem with the software" OR "I'm afraid we have a slight problem with the software" 2 - your anser works well, but you could also make it a negative: "Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer? 3 - Great answer. Tip: Say "You may be right" OR "That may br true" 4 - Great! 5 - Good. Use Sorry at the start to make it even more softer and diplomatic 6. Great!

[@amirkhan-nd5ke]

Very formal and very informative video.👍

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Thanks, Amir! Glad you like it 😊

[@martinjokes1610]

I just need to talk to you this very minute

[@yantimohhan5200]

Shoot. I'll be nervous. I might need drink screwdriver before the presentation😂

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

That might help 😄

[@praveensingh2933]

Any book 📖 you suggest for email 📧 writing effectively.

[@esraaadel2763]

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?

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Excellent job, Esraa! Tip: For number 5, it would be better to say "Sorry, but I don't think it's a good idea OR ...such a good idea."

[@martinjokes1610]

Houses prices have skyrocketed

[@hiddenbull6317]

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

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Hello there!

[@shivamshrivastava4260]

1) I think there is some issue with the software 2) I think it will cost us less, If we go with freelance 3) I see your point but I think he will be a better fit for the job 4) Could I add something here 5) I dont think thats a good Idea 6) Could you please us little more detail

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Very good effort! My feedback: 1) ✔ (is an issue or are some issues) 2) Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer? 3) ✔ 4) ✔ 5)✔ (don't) 6) Could you please send us more details?

[@erezafazliu7689]

omg negative questions saved my life

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Glad this was helpful!

[@lisawalker5583]

1. There seems to be a slight problem with the software. 2. Would it be cheaper to hire a freelancer? 3. I get what you are saying, but I would like to give him a chance to show his talent. 4. Can I just say something here? 5. I am not sure that is such a good idea. 6 Would you please send us more details?

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Great work, Lisa! To make number 2 even more effective, change it to a negative question: "Wouldn't it be cheaper....?

[@martinjokes1610]

The purchase price was not disclosed

[@javieralejandrodeleongonza1180]

It seems that there is slight problem with the software Would not be a little bit cheaper to hire a freelancer? 3. I can see your point, but in base of this i agree that he is going to be able to be hired if he improve Could i just say something here? this idea does not seems to be the best idea. Could you please send us more details?

[@vezirmertcan]

1- There seems to be a slight problem with the software. 2- Wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a freelancer? 3- I can see your point but i am confident his references hired him for a good reason. 4- Sorry but can i say something here? 5- I don't think it is really a good idea. 6- Would you mind sending us more details?

[@derekcallan-englishforpros]

Excellent work!