How to Make Polite Requests in Emails | PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH - DAY 2, by Kananshree Sharma English Communication & Training on YouTube. 1 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Open a new email or the draft you want to fix. Write the context first: one short line saying why you are writing and what the request relates to.
Add the request as a direct question. Start with Could you please or Would you be able to, then name the exact item you need.
State the deadline in the same sentence or the next one. Use a specific time and date, such as by 3 P.M. on Friday.
Replace blunt commands like Send me the report with the polite version, for example Could you please share the updated report by 3 P.M.?
Read the email once and check the order: context, then request, then deadline. Move any sentence that is out of place.
Cut extra words and keep one request per email where possible. This makes the message clear and easy to answer.
Add a short closing line such as Thanks in advance and your name, then send the email.
Tips and common mistakes
Being polite does not mean being long. One clear question with a deadline works better than a paragraph of soft wording.
Always give a real deadline. Without one, the reader has to guess when you need the item.
Avoid stacking several requests in one email. If you need three things, list them as short numbered points.
Questions
What is the context, request, deadline formula?
It is a simple order for a polite email: say why you are writing, ask for the exact thing you need, then give a clear time or date. It keeps the message short and easy to act on.
Is it rude to give a deadline in an email?
No. A specific deadline helps the reader plan and shows you are organised. Keep the tone polite by pairing it with Could you please or a thank you line.
What if I need to follow up on a request?
Wait until the deadline has passed, then send a short, friendly reminder that repeats the request and the original date. Keep it brief and avoid sounding accusing.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
