How To Ask Polite Questions: Listening With Indirect Questions
- 7 de jan. de 2024
- 7 min de leitura
Atualizado: 27 de jan. de 2024
A common fear that English learners have is the fear of sounding rude, especially when asking questions. This is normal, fortunately, there is a way to ask questions politely. Indirect questions are a polite way to ask for a favor, a request, or to ask strangers a question. Today's lesson will involve four conversations to listen to. Before listening, we show some examples of direct and indirect questions to see the difference.
What time is it? | Could you tell me what time it is? |
Are you coming? | I was wondering if you are coming. |
Where is the bank? | May I ask you where the bank is? |
Does he speak English? | Do you know if he speaks English? |
Is the restaurant closed? | I was wondering if the restaurant is closed. |
Questions
1) What is the word order of the second phrase?
2) What word is used in indirect questions, if the direct question is a yes or no question?
Conversations
Now we will listen to three conversations focusing on indirect questions. There will be questions to answer at the end.
Conversation 1: Making an Inquiry
Person A: Hi there! Can you tell me if the meeting has been rescheduled?
Person B: Oh, I'm not sure. Do you know who would have that information?
Person A: Well, would you mind checking with the organizer? I'd like to know as soon as possible.
Person B: Absolutely, I can do that. Do you have any idea why it might have been rescheduled?
Person A: No clue. I was wondering the same thing. Maybe there was a scheduling conflict.
Person B: I’ll find out and let you know. Is there any chance you can attend if it's moved to tomorrow?
Person A: It depends on the time, but I'll do my best to accommodate. Thanks for checking!
Text 1: Making an Inquiry
What is Person A inquiring about?
Who does Person B suggest contacting for information about the rescheduled meeting?
Why does Person A want to know about the rescheduled meeting as soon as possible?
What is the reason speculated by Person A for the possible rescheduling of the meeting?
What does Person B ask regarding Person A's availability if the meeting is moved to tomorrow?
Conversation 2: Planning an Event
Person A: Hey, could you tell me if you're available this weekend for the game night?
Person B: I'm not sure. I was wondering, what time were you thinking?
Person A: Well, I'd like to know if you have any idea when everyone else is free. Would it be possible for you to check with the group?
Person B: Of course! Do you know what games we're playing?
Person A: I was thinking of a mix, but I'd like to know if there's any chance we could include that new strategy game.
Person B: I’ll reach out to everyone and get their availability. Is there anything specific you'd like me to ask them?
Person A: Just find out when they're free and if they're up for trying the new game. Thanks a bunch!
Text 2: Planning an Event
What is Person A inquiring about in the conversation?
Why does Person B ask about the time for the game night?
What does Person A request Person B to do regarding the group's availability?
What type of games does Person A mention wanting to include in the game night?
What is Person A's request to Person B regarding the group's preferences for the new game?
Conversation 3: Seeking Help with a Project
Person A: Hi, do you know how to use the new software for the project?
Person B: I was wondering the same thing. Could you tell me what you're trying to do?
Person A: Well, I’d like to know if you have any idea about formatting images in the presentation. Would it be possible for you to guide me through it?
Person B: Absolutely! Would you mind sharing your screen? I'll walk you through the process.
Person A: That would be great! I was wondering if there's any chance we could also add some charts for better visualization.
Person B: Sure, we can do that. I’d like to know if there's a specific type of chart you have in mind.
Person A: A bar chart should work well. Thanks for helping out!
Text 3: Seeking Help with a Project
What is Person A seeking assistance with in the conversation?
How does Person B offer to help Person A with the software?
What specific task does Person A want help with regarding the software?
What additional request does Person A make after discussing formatting images?
How does Person B respond to Person A's request for adding charts?
A Conversation about Planning a Team Retreat
Person A: Hi there! I was wondering if you could help me with something.
Person B: Of course! What's on your mind? Do you have any idea what you need assistance with?
Person A: Well, I'd like to know if you have any thoughts on planning a team retreat. Would it be possible for you to brainstorm some ideas with me?
Person B: Absolutely! I'd love to help. Do you have any specific goals or themes in mind for the retreat?
Person A: I was thinking of fostering team bonding and enhancing communication. Do you have any experience with team retreats, and can you tell me what activities worked well?
Person B: Definitely. In the past, I organized a retreat focused on team-building exercises and workshops. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the duration and location of the retreat?
Person A: I'd like to know if there's any chance we could have a two-day retreat at a scenic location. I believe a change of environment would be beneficial.
Person B: That sounds great! I can look into some venues and check their availability. Do you have any preferences regarding the type of venue?
Person A: I was thinking of a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. It would be wonderful if the venue offered team-building activities on-site. Could you tell me if you know of any such places?
Person B: I have a few ideas in mind, but I'd like to know if you have a budget in place for the retreat. That would help narrow down the options.
Person A: Good point. I'd like to know if you have any suggestions on creating a budget for a team retreat. What expenses should we consider?
Person B: Creating a budget involves factoring in accommodation, meals, transportation, and any additional activities. I can help you draft a rough estimate once we finalize the details.
Person A: I appreciate that. Do you know if it's common for companies to bring in external facilitators for team retreats? Would you mind sharing your thoughts on that?
Person B: Yes, it's quite common. External facilitators bring a fresh perspective and expertise in team dynamics. I'd like to know if you have anyone specific in mind, or if you'd like me to research potential facilitators.
Person A: I'll leave that to you. Could you tell me if team-building activities are usually structured, or is there room for spontaneous bonding experiences?
Person B: It depends on the goals of the retreat. Structured activities help achieve specific outcomes, but leaving room for spontaneity can enhance the overall experience. I'd recommend a balance.
Person A: That makes sense. I'd like to know if you could help me come up with a rough itinerary for the retreat, considering both planned activities and free time.
Person B: Absolutely! We can schedule team-building sessions, workshops, and also allocate time for relaxation and informal bonding. I'll work on a draft for you.
Person A: Thanks! Would you mind checking with the team for any dietary restrictions or preferences? I want to ensure everyone enjoys the meals during the retreat.
Person B: No problem. I'll send out a quick survey to gather that information. Do you have a preferred method for collecting feedback from the team about the retreat afterward?
Person A: I'd like to know if there's any chance we could have a debrief session. It would be valuable to gather insights and identify areas for improvement in future retreats.
Person B: Great idea! We can schedule a debrief session and encourage open communication. I'll include that in the itinerary.
Person A: Perfect. I was also wondering if you have any suggestions for team-building activities that promote creativity and collaboration.
Person B: I do. How about a design thinking workshop or a collaborative project where team members work together on a creative task? I can provide more details if you're interested.
Person A: That sounds intriguing! Can you tell me if there's a common approach to measure the success of a team retreat? I want to ensure we can assess its impact.
Person B: Evaluating the retreat's success can be done through pre and post-event surveys, observing team dynamics, and tracking any changes in collaboration and communication. I'll help you set up a measurement framework.
Person A: Thanks for all your help! I appreciate your willingness to assist with planning this retreat. Do you have any final thoughts or recommendations?
Person B: It's been my pleasure! As a final recommendation, I'd suggest incorporating team-building activities that align with the company's values and goals. It adds a meaningful aspect to the retreat.
Person A: That's a great point. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again for your assistance!
A Conversation about Planning a Team Retreat
What is the main topic of the conversation between Person A and Person B?
What are the goals that Person A has in mind for the team retreat?
What type of venue does Person A suggest for the team retreat, and why?
What aspects of creating a budget for the team retreat does Person B suggest considering?
What recommendation does Person B give regarding team-building activities that align with the company's values and goals?
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