在工作中,大家总会有想得到更多东西的时候。无论是需要承担更多的责任或是申请年假,大家说话的语气都会干扰最后的结果。继续读下去,看看怎么样用英语表达请求,那些该做,那些不该做。
There always comes a time when we want something at work. Whether it's a chance for more responsibility or a request for annual leave, the tone of voice we use will make or break our chances for actually getting it. Read on to find out how to - and how not to - make requests in English.
不需要
当你提出请求时,必须要防止太过强制。如此说:「Give me some time off」这不会叫你的老板感觉开心的。应该如此非常有礼貌地表达,比如:「I would like to request some annual leave」或「I would appreciate it if you could give me your feedback.」
Don't demand
Always avoid the imperative1 when making requests. Saying, Give me some time off will never please your boss. Instead, start your request politely, for example, I'd like to request some annual leave or I'd appreciate it if you could give me your feedback.
降低我需要
一直说着「need」会叫你的声音听起来非常像老板并且让人听了不舒服,所有可以换成如此说:「Could you please?」和「Would you be able to?」是非常有礼貌的方法而叫你的需要受人体谅。
Eliminate I need
Always talking about what you need can make you sound bossy2 and offensive, so try asking instead. Phrases like Could you please...? and Would you be able to...? are perfectly3 polite ways to make your request known.
防止假定
假如你的老板非常不错,你或许会顺口说出:「I am going to leave a bit early today」。不要擅自做主,不要假设你的老板不在乎。下边的说法才是征求建议的最好表达:「Would it be OK if I slipped out a bit early today?」或「Would you be opposed to my taking off around 4:30?」
Avoid assumption
If your boss is cool, you might be tempted4 to let something like, I'm going to leave a bit early today, slip out. It's best not to take control, though, and assume the TOP dog doesn't have a problem with it. Would it be OK if I slipped out a bit early today? or Would you be opposed to my taking off around 4:30? are great ways to ask permission.
防止指责
假如你的经理好象忘记你的请求,千万不要由于如此而指责他/她说:「Where are those figures I asked for?」仅需方法性地提醒他,比如:「I was wondering if you have had the chance to calculate those figures.」这是一种非要胁性的说法来提醒你的老板之前答应过你的事情。
Steer5 clear of accusations6
If your manager seems to have forgotten about your request, don't accuse him or her of not doing the work by saying, Where are those figures I asked for? For a simple yet effective reminder7, just say, for example, I was wondering if you've had the chance to calculate those figures. It's a non-threatening way to remind your boss of something he or she promised to do.
再试一次
假如你的经理拒绝你的请求,那就大概比较容易舍弃。但假如你真的感觉你的请求是对的,你可以了解地说明你所坚持的,你可以如此说:「Please reconsider my request.」
Try a second time
If your manager has denied a request, it can be easy to just give up. Instead, if you really feel your request is valid8, clearly organize your argument and say, Please reconsider my request.