Rahasia Minta Tolong yang Tidak Terdengar Memerintah
Memakai can, could, would, dan may untuk membuat permintaan sopan di email, chat, dan meeting.
Masalah: terdengar kasar padahal niatnya baik
Dalam bahasa Indonesia, "Kirim filenya ya" terdengar wajar. Diterjemahkan mentah-mentah menjadi "Send me the file.", kalimat itu terdengar seperti perintah di telinga penutur bahasa Inggris. Solusinya: bungkus permintaan dengan kata bantu sopan.
Tangga kesopanan
| Level | Kalimat | Kapan dipakai |
|---|---|---|
| 😐 Langsung | Send me the file. | Hindari di kerja |
| 🙂 Santai | Can you send me the file? | Rekan akrab, chat |
| 😊 Sopan | Could you send me the file, please? | Klien, atasan, email |
| 🤝 Sangat sopan | Would you mind sending me the file? | Permintaan besar / orang yang belum akrab |
Pola yang wajib dihafal
- Could you (please) + kata kerja dasar? — Could you review my draft?
- Would you mind + kata kerja-ing? — Would you mind sharing your screen?
- Can I / May I + kata kerja dasar? (meminta izin) — May I ask a question?
- I was wondering if you could… (sangat halus) — I was wondering if you could extend the deadline.
Menjawab permintaan
| Mengiyakan | Menolak halus |
|---|---|
| Sure! / Of course. / No problem. | I'm afraid I can't do that by Friday. / Sorry, I'm not available then. |
Menolak dengan sopan: jangan hanya "No." Beri alasan atau alternatif: "I'm afraid I can't by Friday, but I can send it on Monday."
Kata ajaib: please & thank you
Letakkan please di akhir kalimat atau sebelum kata kerja: Could you please send… / Could you send it, please? Akhiri dengan Thank you atau Thanks in advance (di email).