PTE Review Center Cebu Tips: How to Use Diplomatic Language

Knowing when and how to use diplomatic language is critical, not only for the exam but also for your plans abroad—which is why instructors at the PTE review center in Cebu teach examinees how to use English in different settings. Read on to get some of the key points of their diplomatic language classes.

When to Use Diplomatic Language

Diplomatic language is mostly applied in the workplace where decorum and formality are upheld. There will always be instances at work when you will face arguments that will make you want to be impolite with whoever started them. These instances can be anything from computer problems and missed deadlines to frustrating clients and pushy supervisors. No matter what the reason though, it is vital that you apply diplomacy when communicating.

Here are some of the most common workplace situations that require diplomatic language.

•    negotiating
•    making requests
•    assigning tasks
•    delivering bad news

Diplomatic language can also be used in academic and every day conversations. Enroll in an excellent PTE training course, like the one offered in JRooz, to find out more.

How to Use Diplomatic Language

Make sure your speech or writing is not too direct or impolite. Here are three tips to help you use diplomatic language effectively.

1. Drop slang and other informal expressions.Use language that is more similar to written English than casual speech.
   
   Examples:
   Original:“This place is a mess, even though the maintenance staff already cleaned it.”
   Better:“This workspace needs more maintenance work.”
   
   Original:“Y’all should make sure to unplug your computers before leaving.”
   Better:“Please make sure your computer is unplugged before leaving.”


2. Use more words.In most cases, diplomatic language uses more words compared with casual speech and writing. It indicates that you are cautious of your word choice and phrasing with respect to the receiver’s feelings.
   
   Examples:
   Original:“This place is a mess, even though the maintenance staff already cleaned it.”
   Better:“From what I can tell, the maintenance staff may have missed this area. I think we should tell them about this when we meet them later.”
   
   Original:“Y’all should make sure to unplug your computers before leaving.”
   Better:“Before you leave your workplace, please make sure your computers are unplugged.”


3. Use modal verbs.According to many PTE training coaches, the best way to make your communication style diplomatic is by adding modal verbs to your sentences. Modal verbs can reduce the demanding tone typical in most requests and make your statements more polite.
   
   For instance, if you think your salary was not processed correctly, you will obviously want to tell your supervisor about it. However, you can’t just say or write “Check my payroll; it was not processed correctly,” as it would sound rude and demanding. Instead, you can add the modal verb “might” and “may” and say “I double checked my salary and I think they might not have processed my pay correctly. You may want to check my payroll.”

Integrate these tips into your PTE review to master using diplomatic language. But, keep in mind that these are only some of the key points of its application. Enroll in the PTE review center in Cebu to get a more in-depth lecture on the topic.

References:
"5 Tips for Polite and Diplomatic Language." 5 Tips for Polite and Diplomatic Language - London School of English. Accessed December 04, 2017. https://www.londonschool.com/blog/5-tips-polite-and-diplomatic-language/.

Kitlum. "5 Ways to Use a Diplomatic Tone for Better Business Communication." FluentU Business English Blog. Accessed December 04, 2017. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/business-english/business-english-communication/.

Recine, David. "Diplomatic Language in Business English." Magoosh TOEFL Blog. January 25, 2016. Accessed December 04, 2017. https://magoosh.com/toefl/2016/diplomatic-language-in-business-english/.

Streat, Shanthi. "Business Skills: How to Use Diplomatic Language in Your Next Business Meeting in English—Part 1." English with a Twist. July 13, 2017. Accessed December 04, 2017. https://englishwithatwist.com/2016/11/24/business-skills-how-to-use-diplomatic-language-in-your-next-business-meeting-in-english/.

Thompson, Luke. "Five Rules of Thumb for Polite and Diplomatic Language." Macmillan Dictionary Blog. Accessed December 04, 2017. http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/five-rules-of-thumb-for-polite-and-diplomatic-language

"Use of Language in Diplomacy." DiploFoundation. February 03, 2012. Accessed December 04, 2017. https://www.diplomacy.edu/resources/general/use-language-diplomacy.