| Voiceover: | If you’re too direct when you speak in English, people might think you’re rude. | |
| Margaret: | Hey! What time’s the next bus? | |
| Bus passenger: |
Don’t know. | |
| Voiceover: | It’s better to be a little more indirect. | |
| Margaret: | Excuse me. Do you happen to know what time the next bus is? | |
| Bus passenger: |
Yeah, there’s one due in about five minutes. | |
| Margaret: | Thanks. | |
| Bus passenger: |
Would you like to sit down? | |
| Voiceover: | This is very important when you want somebody’s help. | |
| Margaret: | Hey, you! | |
| Man on stairs: |
Yeah? | |
| Margaret: | Help me take this upstairs! | |
| Man on stairs: |
Yeah, right. | |
| Voiceover: | It doesn’t hurt to be polite. | |
| Margaret: | Excuse me! | |
| Man on stairs: |
Uh huh? | |
| Margaret: | I wonder if you could help me take this upstairs! It’s terribly heavy! | |
| Man on stairs: |
Yeah, of course. It is heavy, isn’t it? | |
| Margaret: | I know… thanks. | |
| Voiceover: | There are times, however, when it pays to be direct. | |
| Young man: |
Eh… Excuse me! | |
| Margaret: | Yes? | |
| Young man: |
I was wondering if you could possibly move forward, if that’s alright with you, I mean… | |
| Margaret: | Why? | |
| Young man: |
Because you’re standing on my foot! | |
| Margaret: | Oh, sorry! |