Should you be direct at work — or more polite?
From Business English Essentials with Higher English by Craig Branch
May 17, 2026 · 3 min · Season 3 · Episode 19
About this episode
This episode explores whether it is better to be direct or polite in workplace communication.
In this episode, we explore one of the most important workplace communication questions: Is it better to be direct — or polite? You’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of both communication styles, along with practical examples and professional phrases you can use immediately in meetings, negotiations, and workplace conversations.
People in this episode
Host: Craig Branch
Topics covered
- workplace communication
- direct communication
- politeness
- communication styles
- meetings
- negotiations
Keywords
- workplace communication
- direct
- polite
- communication styles
- professional phrases
- meetings
- negotiations
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