How to write polite emails in business - asking someone to do something? When we write emails, especially in a professional setting, we need to be polite. There are two ways to make requests: - direct and - indirect. A direct request is like asking, 'Send me the report.' An indirect request is softer, like 'Could you send me the report?' In IT Engineering, indirect is more polite." Here are some examples of polite requests in IT Engineering: "Would you mind updating the software?" "Can you please review the code?" "Could you share the project files?" Email Writing Exercise Imagine you're an IT Engineer, and you need to ask your colleague for assistance with a software bug. Try to use both direct and indirect requests. Quiz (Matching Polite Phrases) Can you match these polite phrases with their meanings." "Would you mind ...?" "Could you please ...?" "May I ask ...?" - Asking for information - Asking politely - Requesting something Answers: "Would you mind ...?" - Asking politely "Could you please ...?" - Requesting something "May I ask ...?" - Asking for information Cultural Consideration In some cultures, like in China, communication is often 'high-context.' That means people use indirect language and consider relationships and feelings. This also works in America. It's essential to 'save face' or avoid embarrassment. When you write emails to colleagues, using indirect requests can show respect and understanding."