The document discusses making polite requests in American culture and similar cultures like the UK and Australia. It notes that in these cultures, language is used to soften requests by being less direct than some other cultures. Examples of direct versus indirect requests are given, such as "Give me the salt" versus "Please pass me the salt." Common phrases for making polite requests include "Would you mind...," "Could you please...," and "Would it be possible..." along with examples. Key words for polite requests are listed as "Would," "Could," "Thank you," and "Please."

1. Making
Polite Requests
Used in ALL situations,
including with friends

2. American culture (similar in
the UK & Australia) =
We use language to soften our
requests. We’re less direct than
some cultures.
Example:
Costa Rica: Give me the salt.
The US: Please pass me the salt. /
Would you mind passing me the salt?

3. Favorite phrase to make polite
requests:
-Would/Do you mind (verb+ing)?
Would/Do you mind helping me for a
minute?
-Would/Do you mind if I (verb)?
Would/Do you mind if I turn off the
music?

4. Would you mind
helping me with
this project?
Not at all! (Of
course! Sure! I’d
love to.)

5. Other phrases to make polite
requests:
-Could you please….?
Could you please explain that again?
-Would it be possible…?
Would it be possible to explain that
again?
-Could I…?
Could I ask you a question?

6. Other phrases to make polite
requests:
-Would it be ok if…?
Would it be ok if I left early today?
-Do you think…?
Do you think it would be ok if I left early?
-Would you be willing to…?
Would you be willing to take me to work
today?

7. KEY WORDS:
Would * Could * Thank you * Please