Upspeak ⤴︎
Another way that Americans (especially younger Americans) use to sound a little more polite is called upspeak. This is a rising tone that is normal at the end of yes/no questions.
Listen to the way these yes/no questions end:
Ще один спосіб, який американці (особливо молоді американці) використовують для того, щоб звучати більш ввічливо, називається “upspeak.” Це підвищений тон, який є звичайним в кінці запитань з відповіддю "так" чи "ні". Послухайте, як закінчуються ці питання:
These are both Yes/No questions. Did you notice how the voice goes up at the end? Listen again and repeat each question. Make sure your voice goes up at the end. ⤴︎
Now listen to these people speaking politely. Notice the upspeak. Repeat the advice politely.
Practice
Look at the commands below. Can you say them more politely? Use advice language and upspeak ⤴︎ instead of the imperative.
Example:
You should open the door. ➚
| Open the door. | Call the doctor. | Speak politely to patients. |
| Lift with your legs. | Bend your knees. | Don’t twist your body. |
| Throw that away. | Call the supervisor. | Wash your hands. |
| Don't wake her up. | Take a break. | Be careful. |