11 ways to say it politely
As an unabashed word nerd visiting the United Kingdom, I was instantaneously struck by the differences between British English and American English (“luggage enquiries” versus “luggage inquiries” at the airport), but also by the general politeness of the country’s public signs.
Whether by poetry, pun, or understated word play, these communicators know how to get their message across firmly and politely. Below are a few examples:
- “Please queue here.”
- “I’m a bin. Drop your liter in.”
- “Be a mate. Don’t block the gate.”
- “We have a selection of Champagnes to entice and delight, featuring a variety of styles of the world’s best and most beguiling aperitif.”
- “Please do not allow your dog to foul in this area.”
- “The spa water is currently unavailable due to maintenance works. We apologise for the disappointment that this may cause.”
- At the home of author Thomas Hardy: “Max Gate’s plumbing system isn’t always as ‘hardy’ as we’d like. Please use tissue sparingly & the bin provided for all other items. Thank you.”
- “Give way.”
- “And if you’re peckish between meals, the Club Kitchen is always open for you to tuck into a range of healthy snacks or naughty treats.”
- “We welcome careful and friendly drivers.”
- “Polite notice. No parking. Please leave clear.”
It’s your turn, PR Daily readers. Please share your examples of polite or clever public signs below.
This post was first published on Ragan Communication’s PR Daily.
