🎙 Host: Hello and welcome to our podcast where we help you improve your English skills in a fun and practical way! I’m Michael, and today’s episode is all about politeness—why it matters, how to use it, and what expressions to say in different situations.
✨ Politeness is an essential part of communication. Whether you’re making a request, apologizing, or giving a compliment, using the right words can make a big difference! So, let’s explore how to mind our manners in English.
🗣 1. Making Polite Requests
🎙 Host: Let’s start with making requests. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, and you want to order a drink. Which of these sounds better?
🔹 “Give me a coffee.”
🔹 “Could I have a coffee, please?”
💡 The second one is much more polite!
📌 Polite Phrases for Requests:
✅ “Could you…?” → Could you help me with this file?
✅ “Would you mind…?” → Would you mind opening the window?
✅ “Is it possible to…?” → Is it possible to change my appointment?
✅ “May I…?” → May I sit here?
👉 Tip: Always add “please” at the end of your request to make it even more polite!
🗣 2. Saying Thank You and Showing Appreciation
🎙 Host: Now, let’s talk about expressing gratitude. In English, there are many ways to say “thank you,” depending on the situation.
📌 Ways to Say Thank You:
✅ “Thanks!” – Casual
✅ “Thank you very much!” – More polite
✅ “I really appreciate it.” – Formal
✅ “I’m grateful for your help.” – Very formal
🗣 Example Conversation:
🔹 A: Could you send me the report?
🔹 B: Of course!
🔹 A: Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.
👉 Tip: If someone thanks you, respond with “You’re welcome”, “No problem”, or “My pleasure.”
🗣 3. Giving Compliments
🎙 Host: Compliments can make someone’s day, but in English, there are different ways to express them politely.
📌 Complimenting Someone:
✅ “You look great today!” – Casual
✅ “I love your presentation. It was very well done!” – Professional
✅ “That was an excellent idea! Well thought out.” – Formal
🗣 Example Conversation:
🔹 A: You did a fantastic job on that project!
🔹 B: Oh, thank you! That means a lot.
👉 Tip: If someone compliments you, don’t just say “Yes, I know.” Instead, say “Thank you!” or “That’s so kind of you.”
🗣 4. Apologizing Politely
🎙 Host: Mistakes happen! But knowing how to apologize politely can make a big difference.
📌 Ways to Apologize:
✅ “I’m sorry.” → Simple and common
✅ “I apologize for the mistake.” → More formal
✅ “Sorry about that!” → Informal
✅ “I didn’t mean to….” → I didn’t mean to interrupt you.
✅ “Please forgive me.” → Very polite
🗣 Example Conversation:
🔹 A: You forgot to email me the schedule.
🔹 B: Oh no! I’m so sorry about that. I’ll send it right now.
👉 Tip: If someone apologizes to you, you can say “That’s okay” or “No problem.”
🗣 5. Being Polite in Formal vs. Informal Settings
🎙 Host: It’s important to know when to use formal or informal language. Let’s compare!
📌 Formal vs. Informal Phrases:
| Situation | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Request | Could you help me with this task? | Can you help me? |
| Thanking | I really appreciate your help. | Thanks a lot! |
| Apologizing | I sincerely apologize for the mistake. | Sorry about that! |
| Ending an email | Best regards, | See you later! |
👉 Tip: In professional emails, use formal language. With friends, informal language is okay!
📢 Summary: Key Polite Expressions
🎙 Host: Before we end, let’s review today’s vocabulary!
🔹 Making requests: Could you…? / Would you mind…? / May I…?
🔹 Saying thank you: Thanks! / I appreciate it! / My pleasure!
🔹 Giving compliments: You look great! / Well done! / That was amazing!
🔹 Apologizing: I’m sorry. / I apologize. / Please forgive me.
🔹 Formal vs. Informal: Use formal language in professional settings and informal with friends.
✨ Challenge: Try using at least three polite expressions today!
🎙 Host: That’s all for today’s episode of the podcast If you enjoyed this lesson, don’t forget to subscribe, and we’ll see you in the next episode! Until then—stay polite and keep practicing! 🎧