Business

There are so many occasions when we need peace and quiet at work. We need to not be disturbed. There are also times when we’re in a bad place and need time to be calm and think. Or maybe we need to make some difficult phone calls – work-related, or not. So how to draw … Read more

You will soon be teaching at another school and now you have to tell your students? They are used to seeing you regularly and working with you. So what’s the best way to tell them? It all depends on the situation and why you are leaving. You can elaborate on the details or keep it … Read more

In an ideal world, nobody would have to work – but we live in a different kind of world. In fact, from time to time, you’re going to have (or, perhaps, want) to work more hours than usual. When that time comes, you’ll have to ask for more hours. So, how can you politely ask … Read more

When someone owes you money it can be stressful. Did they forget? Are they trying to get away with not paying you? No matter how much it is, you deserve to get your money. Understanding how to politely ask someone to pay you is important. You shouldn’t feel uneasy or uncomfortable to ask when they … Read more

There are many situations in which you’ll need to ask someone what they want. If you work in a field where you often interact with members of the public, you’ll tend to do this often. It’s important to ask people what they want, politely but also persistently. Use open questions such as “What type of … Read more

There are many situations in which you will need to ask someone for confirmation. Doing so allows you to move ahead with assurance but you also want to ensure that you use courtesy to build your relationship. Confirmations are best obtained in written form. Reach out on a suitable medium and start your request like … Read more

There are occasions in life — both business and social — when you need a deadline. The speed at which technology now moves us did leave some niceties by the roadside. However, sometimes we need to know something by a certain date. In some situations, we need to know how to ask nicely. Why does … Read more

How do you politely say FYI so no one you talk to is offended by it? The answer comes down to the conversation, your relationship with the other party, and your tone when you use it. If you share information you don’t want to sound bossy or condescending to anyone. FYI is best used for … Read more

Most email recipients are reluctant to give out their contact details. This paranoia of sorts is understandable because anybody can email you requesting your contacts. Giving out your phone number or social media handles could easily lead to total strangers bugging you with text messages or phone calls. So, asking for contact details in an … Read more

College students tend to do their work at various times of the day or night. It depends on their other responsibilities. Some work during the day and have a family so they do their schoolwork at night. Others prefer to do it then, and it can mean there is a need to email a professor … Read more