Speaking: Interactive Communication C1
Precise Adaptation of Communication Style (Politeness, Directness)
Listen to the "C1 Adapted" dialogue.
The C1 Challenge: Beyond "Just Being Polite"
At B2, you learned "polite" phrases. At C1, you must learn why you choose them. Every conversation is a calculation. You must balance efficiency (being direct) with social harmony (being polite). Choosing the wrong style can fail to get you what you need, or even damage a relationship.
Scenario: The Urgent Report
Context: You are a new employee (Sokha). You find an urgent, critical mistake in a report written by a high-level, respected manager (Mr. Dara) whom you don't know well. The client needs the correct report in 1 hour.
FAILED ADAPTATION (Too Direct) ❌
Sokha: "Mr. Dara, you need to fix this report now. The numbers are wrong."
Result: Fails. This is a major "Face-Threatening Act." It ignores Mr. Dara's higher Power and the high Distance (you don't know him). He may become defensive and uncooperative.
FAILED ADAPTATION (Too Indirect) ❌
Sokha: "Excuse me, Mr. Dara... I was just looking at this report... I don't know, maybe something is... off? If you have time..."
Result: Fails. This respects his power, but it fails to communicate the high Rank (the urgency and importance) of the request. He might say, "I'll look at it this afternoon," and the deadline will be missed.
C1 ADAPTATION (Precise) ✅
Sokha: "Mr. Dara, my apologies for the interruption. I know you're incredibly busy, (respects Negative Face) but I've run into an urgent issue with the client report. It seems there might be a discrepancy in the Q3 figures. Would it be at all possible for you to take a quick look? The client needs it in the next hour."
Result: Success. This balances all factors. It uses Negative Politeness ("apologies," "I know you're busy," "would it be at all possible") to respect his Power and Distance, while using clear, direct language ("urgent issue," "client needs it in the next hour") to communicate the high Rank.
The "Social Calculus": P + D + R
Before you speak, you must quickly analyze the context:
1. (P) Power: Who has authority?
Is the person your boss, your colleague, or your junior? (e.g., Boss > You > Intern).
High Power Difference (e.g., to your CEO): Use high levels of Negative Politeness. "I'm so sorry to bother you..."
Low Power Difference (e.g., to your co-worker): You can be more direct or use Positive Politeness. "Hey, you're great with Excel. Can you help me with this?"
2. (D) Distance: How close are you?
Is this your best friend, a colleague you barely know, or a total stranger?
High Distance (e.g., stranger): Use high levels of Negative Politeness (formal). "Excuse me, sir, would you mind...?"
Low Distance (e.g., best friend): You can be Direct. "Hey, close the window."
3. (R) Rank: How big is the request?
Are you asking for a pen or for $1,000? Are you giving a small compliment or firing someone?
High Rank (e.g., asking for a big favor): Use high levels of Negative Politeness. "I have a massive favor to ask, and please feel free to say no, but..."
Low Rank (e.g., asking for the time): You can be Direct. "Got the time?"
C1 Strategy Toolkit: Choosing Your Style
Goal: Respect "Negative Face" (the desire to be unimpeded). Use for High Power or High Rank requests.
- I'm so sorry to bother you, but...
- Would it be at all possible to...?
- I was wondering if you might...
Goal: Respect "Positive Face" (the desire to be liked). Use with friends or colleagues (Low Distance).
- You're a lifesaver. Could you...?
- Hey, do me a quick favor...
- Let's... (inclusive 'we')
Goal: Hint at the meaning without saying it directly. Used for very sensitive topics or to avoid responsibility.
- "It's really cold in this room."
- "Wow, the deadline is almost here."
Practice Your Adaptation 🎯
Practice Quiz: What's the Best Strategy?
Read the scenario, analyze the P+D+R, and choose the *best* adaptation. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. Scenario: You need to ask your boss (High P, High D) for a day off tomorrow for a personal emergency (High R).
2. Scenario: Your best friend (Low P, Low D) is 30 minutes late for coffee (Low R).
3. Scenario: You need to disagree with a respected colleague (Equal P, High D) in a public meeting (High Risk).
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Adaptation (Socio-linguistic) Changing your language to fit the social situation (audience, context).
- Directness Saying exactly what you mean (e.g., "Close the door.").
- Indirectness Hinting at what you mean (e.g., "It's cold in here.").
- Negative Politeness Language that respects someone's independence and avoids imposition ("I'm sorry to bother you...").
- Positive Politeness Language that shows you like someone and want to be part of their group ("You're a lifesaver...").
- Face-Threatening Act (FTA) Any action that risks "damaging" someone's social image (e.g., giving an order, criticizing).
Your Mission: The C1 Role-Play ⭐
Your mission is to perform a difficult social interaction. Choose one of these scenarios and record yourself speaking for 60 seconds.
- Scenario A: You lent your colleague (Equal P, Low D) your motorbike. They return it with a large scratch and don't say anything. You must ask them to pay for the repair (High R).
- Scenario B: You are a manager (High P). You must tell a kind, older employee (Low P) that their recent work has been slow and contains many mistakes, and it must improve (High R).
Before you record, write down your P+D+R analysis and choose your strategy (Direct, Positive, Negative, or a mix).