Diplomatic language

Diplomatic language

Using the passive.

A good way to be more diplomatic is to use the passive voice because it focuses on the action, not who did it.

I understand you didn’t finish the report. → I understand the report wasn’t finished.
Martin said you need some help. → I was told you need some help.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the passive to make them more diplomatic.

Sandra didn’t tell me the meeting started at 2 pm.
I

the meeting started at 2pm.

Fill in the Blanks

Raj didn’t complete the presentation in time.

The presentation

in time.

Fill in the Blanks

David couldn’t find the customer’s email.

The customer’s email

.

Using the past tense/second conditional.

If you can give me the report at 4pm, I will be grateful. → If you could give me the report at 4pm, I would be very grateful.

Are you asking me how much it costs? → Were you asking me how much it would cost?

I hope you can finish before we leave. → I was hoping you could finish before we left.