Robin Lakoff developed the Politeness Principle in 1973 which consists of three rules for cooperative conversation: 1) Don't impose and give people options rather than demands, 2) Give options to allow people freedom of choice, and 3) Make the conversation partner feel good about themselves through positive statements. Lakoff was a professor of linguistics who studied language and gender and established it as an area of study in linguistics and other fields.

1. THE POLITENESS PRINCIPLE
Robin Lakoff

2. Don’t Impose
Give options
Make the receiver feel good - Robin Lakoff 1973
THE POLITENESS PRINCIPLE

3. Robin Lakoff, is a professor of linguistics at the University of California. Her
1975 book Language and Woman's Place is often credited with establishing
language and gender as an object of study in linguistics and other disciplines.
The ‘Politeness Principle’ was developed by Lakoff in 1973. She believed that
there were three rules which should be used in conversation to ensure it is
cooperative and successful.
ROBIN LAKOFF

4. Otherwise known as negative politeness, this can be demonstrated through
hedging. It would include saying things like
“Could you maybe” or “Could I perhaps…” or “Might it be possible to…?
Also apologetic phrases are common, such as
“I’m sorry to bother you” or “I apologise that this is such short notice”
1. THOU SHALT NOT IMPOSE

5. This is about not taking complete control and letting the person have a choice.
For example: “It’s up to you”, “Do you want to go first?” or “What would you
rather do?”
It could make the other person feel that they and their opinion are valued in
the situation.
2. THOU SHALT GIVE OPTIONS

6. This is positive politeness to an extent
This is about making sure that the receiver feels appreciated for who they are
and that the conversation is balanced
For example: “I would really appreciate your opinion” or “what would I do
without you?”
3. THOU SHALT MAKE THE
RECEIVER FEEL GOOD