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OUMH 2203
ENGLISH FOR WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
ASSIGNMENT: USING DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE IN THE WORKPLACE (40%)
SEPTEMBER 2017 SEMESTER
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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete your assignment in the English language only.

2. The assignment you submit should be rendered in the MS-WORD format only, unless
specified otherwise. Do not convert your text into any picture format such as .gif / .jpeg /
print screen / etc.

3. Your assignment should be typed using 12 point Times New Roman font and 1.5 line
spacing.

4. Do not include the assignment question and instructions in the assignment you submit.

5. Your assignment must be submitted ONLINE via the myInspire. Refer to the portal for
instructions. You are advised to keep a copy of the assignment you submit for personal
reference.

6. You can submit your assignment online ONCE only in a SINGLE file.

7. Ensure that you keep the RECEIPT issued upon submission of your assignment as proof of
submission. Your assignment will be considered as NOT submitted if you fail to produce the
submission receipt in any dispute.

8. Your assignment must be submitted online between 30th October 12th November 2017.
Submission after 12th November 2017 will NOT be accepted.

9. Any assignment detected to have been plagiarised will be marked down, failed outright,
and/or referred to the Universitys disciplinary committee for further action.

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Focus
There are TWO compulsory tasks in this assignment. Building on Topic 3 of your course
module, the tasks provide you with an opportunity to learn and apply diplomatic language.

Suggested Preparatory Activities


1. Start by reading a short online article titled How to Use Diplomatic Language in Your Next
Business Meeting in English. As you read, think about how you may use the given tips in
your workplace interaction.

The article may be accessed at:

https://englishwithatwist.com/2016/11/24/business-skills-how-to-use-diplomatic-language-
in-your-next-business-meeting-in-english/

2. Then, watch a short video clip on Using Diplomatic English at Work at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruPxnIAjgyg

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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 0 (Example)
Amran: I look forward to receiving your feedback during our meeting scheduled for this
afternoon.
Harry: I have to cancel the meeting. [Using softeners]
Answer: Unfortunately, something has come up and I have to cancel the meeting.

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 I could get it today

Snippet 2
Naimah: Please could you email me the documents by this Friday?
Haikal: I cant do it. [Rephrasing a negative sentence]
Answer: Im afraid I wouldnt be able to email you the documents by this Friday

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

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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: Shouldnt we change the way we do things instead of changing the people
we put in charge?

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: We were told that the meeting would be held at 5 p.m today.

Snippet 7
Selvi: Could you share your views on Anwars proposal?
Umpang: I disagree! [Using softeners]
Answer: I am sorry but I really do not think that is a good 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: I really appreciate it if you can give me the solution by the end of the day.

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Snippet 9
Fattah: Any discount on these items?
Maulana: No. [Rephrasing a negative sentence]
Answer: I am sorry but there is not discount for that item

Snippet 10
Tan Sri: Will you be able to arrive here on time?
Ganesh: Im going to be late. [Using qualifiers]
Answer: I am going to be 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 0 (Example)
We should wait for Ahmad.
Answer: Shouldnt we wait for Ahmad?

Statement 00 (Example)
That will not work.
Answer: That might not work.

Statement 1
I think we should include Dr Khoo in the meeting if hes available.
Answer: It would be better if we can include Dr Khoo in the meeting if hes
available

Statement 2
We should delay the project.
Answer: I am sorry, it better if we delay the project.

Statement 3
I want more time to finish this presentation.
Answer: Excuse me, can I have more time to finish this presentation

Statement 4
It is better if he were replaced by someone with the right skills.

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Answer: I am afraid to say that it is better if he replaced by someone with the right skills

Statement 5
We have a problem with the accounts.
Answer: I am sorry but we have a problem with the accounts.

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

Statement 7
You made a lousy decision.
Answer: I am afraid that I cannot accept your decision.

Statement 8
I dont like it.
Answer: That is a good idea but we can make it better.

Statement 9
You dont understand me.
Answer: In my view,you dont get what Im try to say here.

Statement 10
I dont know what you mean.
Answer: I think you should explain more about that.

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