Asking a Favor
One of the most difficult of all conversational tasks is to ask someone for a favor. Of course, it depends on the favor and on the relationship you have with the person from whom you want the favor. If it�s a close friend and the favor is relatively easy to perform, there is little difficulty and little conversational awkwardness. If the favor is to a superior, say a work supervisor, and the favor one that would be difficult or time-consuming to perform, there would be much difficulty and much conversational awkwardness. Asking a total stranger poses still other problems. Yet, despite these many differences, some general suggestions may be offered. So, how do you ask for a favor? Here are a few steps: First and foremost, select an appropriate communication context. Consider the time, place, and medium of communication�at the very least. Is this the appropriate time? Is this the appropriate place? Is this the most a...