Four Magic Phrases to Use Every Day

Four Magic Phrases to Use Every Day

Everyone has speech habits. Speech habits are those things that you say often, and almost without thinking about. Some speech habits are good. They add to your credibility and air of professionalism.

Here are four terrific speech habits for you to weave into your daily patterns.

1. Would you please?
2. Thank you very much, I appreciate it.
3. I understand you think X, but may I ask you a question ...?
4. I am afraid I can't; but if that changes, I will let you know, okay?

Try to use these four magic phrases every day.

1. Would you please?

Use this phrase any time you ask someone to do something.

"Would you please ensure you send me that proposal, before the end of today".

"Would you please, wash-up your cups?"

2. Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

Use this phrase any time someone does something for you, especially after the above request.

Thank you very much for getting the proposal to me today, I appreciate it.

Thank you very much for washing up those cups, I appreciate it.

3. I understand you think X, but may I ask you a question ...?

Use this phrase whenever you disagree with the other's opinion. If the other person thinks something opposite to your belief, don't attack his view too aggressively. Instead, say;

I understand you don't believe (in capitalism), but let me ask you a question, do you think you should make a profit on the work you do?

Or: I understand you believe (in capitalism), but let me ask you a question; do you think it is right that a professional footballer earns more in a single week than a NHS nurse earns in a whole year?

4. I am afraid I can't; but if that changes, I will let you know, okay?

Use this phrase any time you want to decline a request, that you do something for someone else.

For example, if someone says, "Can you attend the meeting in my place this afternoon? Something's come up and I can't make it."

You say, "I'll afraid I can't, but if that changes, I'll let you know, okay?"

It is important to say the end piece. "but if that changes, I'll let you know, okay?"

Because the last "I'll let you know, okay" triggers him to say, "Okay" back.

Almost as a reflex response.

Try it for yourself and you will see. Okay?

Okay!

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Definition: polite phrase

A polite phrase is a short group of words you use at work that shows respect, keeps talk friendly, softens requests, questions or refusals, and draws a warm reply. If it lacks respect, kind words, a soft tone or the aim to gain a friendly answer, it stops being a polite phrase.

Article Summary

Polite phrases are social oil; when you say ‘Would you please’, ‘Thank you very much’, ‘I understand… may I ask?’ and ‘I’m afraid I can’t, but I’ll let you know’, you turn daily talk into clear, respectful work talk that wins trust, smooths requests, softens clashes and lets you say no with grace.

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About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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