Sample Response
Making
Requests
Politeness and clarity are key at work. Learn how to soften your language to ask for things professionally without sounding demanding.
How often do you ask for help?
Is it hard to ask for a favor?
How do you ask your boss for things?
Warm-up Questions
In your workplace, when do you usually need to make requests?
Do you feel comfortable asking someone to do something for you?
Is it easy for you to say “no” to others when they ask for a favor?
Direct vs. Polite
“Send me the report” is grammatically correct, but it sounds like a command. Tap to see how to soften your requests.
Send me the report.
I want you to review this.
Give me the file.
Can I leave early?
Fix my password.
Close the window.
The 3 Levels of Politeness
How you ask depends on who you are asking and how big the favor is. Tap the blurred words!
1. Direct / Neutral
Use this with close colleagues for small, everyday favors.
- • Can you send me the report by 3?
- • Please let me know when it’s done.
2. Polite / Formal
The safest choice for emails, clients, or people you don’t know well.
- • Could you review my draft?
- • Would you mind sending the file?
- • I’d appreciate it if you could check.
3. Indirect / Softer
Use this when asking for a big favor, or asking a manager for permission.
- • I was wondering if I could leave early.
- • Do you think you might be able to help me?
- • If it’s not too much trouble, could you…?
Natural Dialogue
Hey, are you super busy right now?
Not too bad, just finishing up some emails. What’s up?
I was wondering if you could review my draft before I submit it.
Sure, send it over. I’ll take a look.
Thanks! I’d really appreciate it if you could look at the introduction specifically.
No problem, I’ll have it back to you by 3.
Hi Sarah, do you have a quick second?
Yes, come on in. What do you need?
I was wondering if it would be possible to leave work a bit early tomorrow. I have a personal appointment.
What time do you need to head out?
Around 3 PM. I’ll make sure all my urgent tasks are covered before I go.
That should be fine. Just let the rest of the team know.
Scenario Practice
Let’s Chat
Which types of requests are the hardest for you to make at work? Why?
Do you prefer making requests in person, by email, or by chat? Why?
How do you usually respond when someone makes a request you cannot fulfill?
How important is saying “please” and “thank you” in your native culture compared to English?
Have you ever asked a coworker to cover for you? How did you ask?
Is it easier to ask for help from a colleague or a manager? Why?
Podcast Session
Lesson Recap
Listen to a quick summary of today’s lesson, featuring tips on American work culture and how to soften your language when making requests.