1. Indirect vs Direct Language Complaining

2. Here are ways to make your speaking more diplomatic I want a refund.  I am afraid I would like a refund. To be honest, I would like a refund. Actually, I would like a refund. Add an expression to the beginning of your sentence AND change ‘want’ to ‘would like’

3. There is a problem  I’m afraid there is a problem. To be honest, there is a problem. Actually, there is a problem  It seems that we have an issue. It seems that we have a problem. It seems that there is a problem. It seems that there is a mistake.

4. Don’t use a negative adjective (late, bad, broken) Use NOT + a positive adjective The computer is broken.  I am afraid that the computer is not fixed. That price is too expensive.  That price is not cheap.

5. Use the word ‘quite’ to soften your words That price is expensive.  That price is quite expensive. The order was late.  The order was quite late.