Tham khảo tài liệu 'english for personal assistants - part 32', ngoại ngữ, kỹ năng viết tiếng anh phục vụ nhu cầu học tập, nghiên cứu và làm việc hiệu quả | Tact and Diplomacy 155 A rule of thumb is to use your common sense. If you are communicating with people from a different culture observe their behaviour and then decide how assertive you need to be. Tact and Diplomacy Tact and diplomacy are closely interlinked both with dealing with difficult people and with being assertive. The English language lends itself to being tactful and diplomatic and speakers of English are generally far less direct than speakers of other languages . speakers of German. How do we do this We achieve this through not only our tone of voice but also through our choice of language. Here are some ways in which we make our utterances more diplomatic. Making language more diplomatic 1. Use would could or might to make what you say more tentative That is too long a delay - That would be too long a delay That does not meet our specifications - That might not meet our specifications You must visit our London office - You could visit our London office 2. Questions rather than statements make your views less dogmatic It s a good idea to check with head office - Is it a good idea to check with head office first first The risk involved in this is far too serious - Would the risk be too serious He s not the right person for the job - Is he the right person for the job 3. Introductory softening phrases prepare your listeners for an unwelcome or unhelpful message I m afraid . With respect . To put it bluntly . Frankly. To be honest . If I may say so Example A Could I speak to John please B I m afraid he s out of the office. 156 Dealing with difficult people 4. Use qualifying words to soften what you say a slight misunderstanding a bit of a problem some reservations a short delay 5. Soften your message by using a comparative form Would Tuesday be a better day to meet Would the afternoon be more convenient Option C might be more cost-effective. Task 10 What would you write instead Rewrite these sentences in a more tactful and diplomatic style suitable .
