FOOD & BEVERAGE | HOTEL INDUSTRY | TRAVEL/TOURISM | OTHER JOBS | POLITENESS TRAINING

   

POLITENESS TRAINING FOR STAFF (RESTAURANTS/BARS/CAFES)
topic: Talking to customers in English 8



Part of providing good customer service is knowing the right way to communicate. English has its own "accepted" ways of talking to customers/clients/guests. If you don't use these, or if you use them incorrectly, you might come across ( = be seen) as rude or unprofessional. In the exercise below, pretend that someone is asking you the question in italics. Choose the best, most polite response:

1. Why is the beer so expensive?
  It's not us, it's the government.
  Alcohol is taxed heavily here.
  It's the normal price for a beer here.

2. Can I get a receipt?
  Yes, if you wait. Please be patient.
  Sure, whatever you say.
  Sure, I'll get it for you in a bit.

3. Are you guys on Instagram?
  Yes, who isn't?
  Yes, it's "..." on Instagram.
  Yes, what is your Instagram?

4. What's the wi-fi password?
  It's "..."
  It's on the board, look.
  It's right there.

5. I thought this was a vegan restaurant.
  We have vegetarian options too. We're not 100% vegan.
  Sorry, you thought wrong. We have vegetarian options too.
  Not only vegan.

6. This food tastes strange.
  It's your imagination. It's fine.
  You're probably not used to this type of food.
  Oh? How so?

7. Can we get this to go?
  Yes, but I'll have to charge you for the box.
  Yes. Pay me for the box, please.
  Yes, if you pay for the box.

8. Can I get a discount for this?
  I'll ask the manager and let you know.
  How should I know? I'll ask.
  I don't know the answer to this question. Sorry.

9. Is this a popular dish?
  Yes, everyone likes it. Do you want it?
  Yes, it's one of our most popular dishes. Would you like to try it?
  Yes, it's a tasty dish so people like it.

10. How much for the tequila?
  You don't have to pay. Relax.
  Nothing.
  It's on me/us.

CHECK ANSWERS

Back to list of exercises

WANT TO GET 80 OF OUR EXERCISES IN ONE DOWNLOAD?
Get our worksheet bundle!

OUR OTHER SITES:
LearnEnglishFeelGood.com
BusinessEnglishSite.com
ESLResourceSite.com

---