Insisting might seem rude, but it depends on the situation. For example, when serving guests, insisting is a sign of hospitality. 

But in professional settings, when plans and prices are sensitive, it may be necessary to insist for the sake of the business.

So how can you insist politely? Here are seven expressions you can use to do just that.

Phrases for Making Demands Politely

I must insist

This is the simplest way to make a strong request. It's bold while still being polite. 

I must insist that you let us pay for dinner.

I must insist that we meet to discuss the project's status ASAP.

I can't budge

"Budge" is a verb meaning "to move slightly." It's used in a literal sense when talking about very heavy objects.

We tried pushing the big rock, but it wouldn't budge.

Used figuratively, being unable to budge means you cannot — or will not — change something, such as a price or other details of an agreement.

We'll need delivery by January 31. I'm afraid we can't budge on that date.

I talked to a representative, and he says they can't budge on the price.

As far as I can go

Use this phrase to politely express that you've reached your limit on something.

After discussing it with my supervisor, $30 per pound is as far as I can go.

We can offer a 10% discount, but that's as far as we can go.

I'm not prepared to __ more

Use this expression with verbs such as "pay" or "offer" to talk about the maximum you can do.

I'm sorry, but we aren't prepared to offer more than our original amount.

I'm not prepared to pay more unless you can guarantee faster delivery.

Non-negotiable

As you might have guessed, something non-negotiable cannot be negotiated. In other words, it must be part of the agreement without being changed.

We're flexible on the price, but delivery within three weeks is non-negotiable.

These points are non-negotiable.

Off the table

In negotiation, something "on the table" can be discussed and debated. Something "off the table," however, is not available or can't be negotiated.

Our offer will be off the table soon, so please make your decision quickly.

Not take no for an answer

This bold phrase means you're determined to make your negotiating partner agree to your requirements. 

Rather than saying this directly to clients or customers, people often use it among colleagues when discussing an important meeting or project.

We need to close this deal tonight, so don't take no for an answer.

It's also common in casual situations, such as when extending friendly invitations.

You have to join us for dinner tonight, and I'm afraid we won't take no for an answer.

Wrap-up

Flexibility is important in many areas of life. In business, however, there are times when accepting alternatives is impossible or simply too risky. Prepare for these situations by learning these polite ways to make demands. 

Remember that your words, facial expression and tone of voice all work together to create a polite, professional feeling, so be sure to use them all!

If you'd like some practice making demands politely, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor to prepare for your negotiations!

The post 7 English Expressions for Making Demands Politely appeared first on Engoo Blog.

So what can you do?

Luckily, there are a few expressions you can use to communicate your rush without sounding impolite. Memorize them so you’ll be ready when the clock is ticking!

As quickly as you can

The first expression on our list is a direct but soft way to say you need something quickly. Don’t forget to use “please”!

I’d appreciate it if you could hurry

Using “appreciate” shows that you are thanking the person for moving quickly. Expressions like this are mostly used when speaking to someone with a lower rank or position.

In order to make sure this is expressed in a friendly way, you’ll need to have a polite tone of voice and facial expression.

Adding a “thank you” after the other person’s response will also help the communication stay friendly and polite.

If it’s not too much trouble

You can say this any time you ask someone to do something for you. It expresses that you are only making a request, not making a demand.

I’m sorry to rush you

A great way to make an urgent request more polite is by apologizing for it.

It would be great if ~

This expression communicates that you would like something done quickly but without putting too much pressure on the other person. Therefore, if it is very important that something be done by a certain time, you should use a different expression.

You can replace "great" with other positive adjectives, such as "fantastic" or "awesome."

I’ll need that soon

This expression is a bit more direct than the others we’ve listed so far. Again, it’s best if you have a higher position than the person you’re speaking with, but you can combine it with some other expressions to make it sound softer.

ASAP

This is a common acronym that is short for “as soon as possible.” It is also the most direct way to request something quickly on our list. Combine it with an apology to make it softer.

This is a priority

A priority is something that is more important than other things. In both work and everyday situations, priority tasks are completed before everything else.

You can also use the verb form “prioritize.”

Wrap-up

Addressing people with respect and politeness is necessary for keeping good relationships with your colleagues. This is true even in urgent situations.

Use the expressions introduced here along with a polite tone of voice and a smile to help you get what you need while keeping your relationships healthy and strong.

For lots more tips on speaking English politely, check out this article, which collects useful phrases you can use in a variety of situations.

The post 8 Expressions for Making Urgent Requests Politely appeared first on Engoo Blog.