Asking a favour
Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.
Preparation
Transcript
Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!
Do you know what to say when you want to ask a favour? Listen out for useful language for asking a favour. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.
Noelia: Paul, have you got a minute? I need a favour.
Paul: I'm a bit busy, but sure, what can I help you with?
Noelia: So, you know the branding job for Active Arctic?
Paul: Of course. It was so good to finally finish that project. It went on and on and on …
Noelia: Yeah, so … look, I'm really sorry about this, but they want some more changes made.
Paul: Seriously? I've already rewritten that copy, I don't know, like, 20 times?
Noelia: I know. I'm so sorry. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon?
Paul: Well, I'm not really sure if I can, Noelia. I'm finishing the Moosh Monkey social media campaign and they're expecting it by the end of the day.
Noelia: I'd forgotten about that. Is there any chance you could work late tonight?
Paul: Sorry, Noelia. I would if I could, but I can't.
Noelia: Please?
Paul: I'm taking my niece to the cinema for her birthday. It's been planned for ages.
Noelia: OK. Well, then could you come in early tomorrow? I'll make it up to you!
Paul: OK. How?
Noelia: Name your price.
Paul: An extra day's holiday?
Noelia: Can you get in for 5 a.m.?
Paul: 7 a.m.
Noelia: 6 a.m.
Paul: Deal.
Noelia: Deal.
Ana: Hello again! Looks like that's an early start for Paul tomorrow, then! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for asking a favour? Listen to me and then repeat.
Have you got a minute?
I need a favour.
What can I help you with?
I'm really sorry about this, but they want some changes.
Would you be able to work this afternoon?
I'm not really sure if I can.
Is there any chance you could work late?
I would if I could, but I can't.
Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to ask a favour in English. Bye for now!
One month ago, I applied to attend internal project and I want to know progress, so I asked to my colleague how to progress my application, and he notified me.
The last person I did a favour to is an ex-college. She had to fill some administrative procedure, she had a good decision urgently, but she had no person to refer to except me. However, I was travelling, my train was about to go, and I had to mail her important tips to solve her issue. I was afraid I could miss the train, but the friendship with my college was more important. Fortunately, I send the mail and I did not miss the train. My friend told me she was so grateful, but I think I was the happiest one.
Yesterday, my mom needed a favour to wash the dishes after lunch and I said ok, no problem with that
when I was studying my friend asked me to do him a favour , I told him they are no favourites between us, if you need something, I will do it immediately, you don't even need to ask .
Recently, I did a favour for my workmate. She asked me to help her with some accounting for her small business.
I normally try not to ask for favours unless I really need them. If I do have to ask for a favour, its very important for me to measure the size of it, so that I wouldn´t put the other person into difficult position. It´s also essential that I could accept a refusal without getting dissapointed; or in the other hand, It´s imperative to give due thanks for the help received.
It's about one month ago. My friend was stressed while working with the government. I was spending time with her for listening and understanding, then I also created the connection between her and my other friend who had experience in working with the government to give her practical advice
Last week, I did a favour for my friend. She had a problem with her presentation for work and asked for help. I helped her organise her ideas and improve her slides. She was very happy and said thank you many times. It felt good to help someone and see her smile.