Diplomatic Tone for Better Business Communication. Tip #1 Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are special verbs that are used with other verbs to
express ability (could), to offer (would), to make a request (may) and so on.
You can use the modal verbs “could,” “would” and “may” to your advantage when
softening your tone. They are especially useful when you are asking questions
or making requests.
There are many ways to ask a
question or make a request. The questions in the following examples are not
necessarily incorrect. But they would sound much more diplomatic if you used
the modal verbs “could,” “would” and “may” to soften your tone.
Rather than: Can you please get this report ready by Monday?
Say: Could you please get this report ready by Monday?
Rather than: Do you want to be on our team?
Say: Would you like to be on our team?
Rather than: Can I use the conference room today?
Say: May I use the
conference room today?
