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Tone: polite, firm and natural

By Michael Ukwuma

Softening, hedging and being direct without being rude, for emails and difficult speaking tasks.

Tone is part of Task Fulfillment. The same request can sound rude, stiff or just right. Canadian English tends to be polite and indirect, especially when asking for something or disagreeing.

Softening a request

• Can you fix the heater? becomes Would it be possible to have someone look at the heater?
• Send me the form becomes Could you please send me the form?
• I want a refund becomes I would appreciate a refund.

The rest of this lesson is part of full access.