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OUMH 2203
ENGLISH FOR WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
ASSIGNMENT: USING DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE IN THE WORKPLACE
SEPTEMBER 2017 SEMESTER
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Name : ROSLEE BIN MOHAMMAD

Student’s Number : 850602126155001

Lecturer/Tutor : CHU KET MEE

Learning Centre : OUM TAWAU

TASK 1 (20%)

For each of the following conversational snippets, rewrite the underlined text using the
specified technique so that it comes across as more diplomatic. The first one has been done
for you.
Note: Your answers will be marked for appropriate use of diplomatic language, as well as
grammar and mechanics (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.).

Snippet 1
Hari: Mr Chan, when do you need the signed contract to be delivered to you?
Mr Chan: I want it today. [Using modal verbs]
Answer: It would be so helpful if you can send the contract to me today.

Snippet 2
Naimah: Please could you email me the documents by this Friday?
Haikal: I can’t do it. [Rephrasing a negative sentence]
Answer: I’m afraid I couldn’t finish the document yet, so I’m not in a position to tell
you when the document will be email to you.

Snippet 3
Seng Tat: Are we going to deliver the urgent parcel on time?
Michael: We are having problems with the packaging. [Using qualifiers]
Answer: We are having one or two problems with the packaging.

Snippet 4
Angelina: We should change the way we do things instead of changing the people we put
in charge. [Using negative question form]
Anita: Please could you explain a bit more?
Answer: Shouldn’t we change the way we do things? Because changing the people
we put in charge would be troublesome.
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Snippet 5
Anita: I plan to call for a meeting next week. Can you help to set it up? [Using the past
continuous]
Hamid: Certainly.
Answer: I was planning to call for a meeting next week.

Snippet 6
Anwar: My apologies, but when can we meet?
Nathan: You said we were meeting today at 5 p.m. [Using the passive voice]
Answer: I was told that we were meeting today at 5 p.m.

Snippet 7
Selvi: Could you share your views on Anwar’s proposal?
Umpang: I disagree! [Using softeners]
Answer: To be honest, I don’t like the idea.

Snippet 8
Terence: How much time do we have to resolve this?
Siew Peng: Give me a solution by the end of the day. [Using modal verbs]
Answer: Could you give me a solution by the end of the day?

Snippet 9
Fattah: Any discount on these items?
Maulana: No. [Rephrasing a negative sentence]
Answer: I’m sorry, but there is no discount.

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Snippet 10
Tan Sri: Will you be able to arrive here on time?
Ganesh: I’m going to be late. [Using qualifiers]
Answer: I’m going a little bit late.

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TASK 2 (20%)
Rewrite the following statements. Use one or more strategies to make the statements more
diplomatic. The first two have been done for you.
Note: Your answers will be marked for appropriate use of diplomatic language, as well as
grammar and mechanics (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.).

Statement 1
I think we should include Dr Khoo in the meeting if he’s available.
Answer: If Dr Khoo is available, shouldn’t we include him in the meeting?

Statement 2
We should delay the project.
Answer: Shouldn’t we delay the project?

Statement 3
I want more time to finish this presentation.
Answer: It would be so helpful to me have more time to finish the presentation.

Statement 4
It is better if he were replaced by someone with the right skills.
Answer: Couldn’t be better if he were replaced by someone with the right skills?

Statement 5
We have a problem with the accounts.
Answer: We have a little problem with the document.

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 Statement 6
There has been a bad accident.
Answer: Unfortunately, there has been a bad accident.

Statement 7
You made a lousy decision.
Answer: I don’t think your decision is a good idea.

Statement 8
I don’t like it.
Answer: I don’t really like it, I’m afraid.

Statement 9
You don’t understand me.
Answer: Perhaps, I’m not making myself clear.

Statement 10
I don’t know what you mean.
Answer: I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the point.