Today you’ll learn some of the most positive phrases in English.
When someone asks you to do something, you need to know how to respond in a positive way.
This is an important skill for both business and life.
Listen in on today’s episode for this important vocabulary.
All Ears English podcast guests
The All Ears English podcast has interviewed so many interesting guests.
Aubrey wants to know what Lindsay has learned from a recent guest they interviewed.
Lindsay shared that she attended a podcast conference last year.
She met Beth Peters and Laney Stubblesfied from the Steel Magnolias podcast.
On their podcast, they talk about southern American culture.
A lot of people are genuinely fascinated with the culture in the south of the U.S.
Lindsay got to know them because they volunteered their podcast to be analyzed by experts at the conference.
She thought that was extremely brave and was excited to have the opportunity to invite them to be guests on the All Ears English podcast.
Check out that interview if you missed it!
I’d be happy to share…
When Aubrey asked Lindsay a question, Lindsay responded by saying “Yeah! I’d be happy to.”
This is such a positive and friendly way to respond to someone who is asking you a question.
This is a great thing to say when you’re being interviewed and someone asks you if you could give your background or tell a story.
This helps you start the tone right for the interview.
Today’s episode is a continuation of a recent episode done here at All Ears English.
This was episode AEE 1876: Have a Can-Do Attitude in Business English.
Lindsay and Aubrey promised another episode to share more positive and friendly English phrases you can use in the business setting.
This is important because how you start something and how you end it are both memorable.
Your tone is vital in ensuring you kick things off right.
Here are some positive responses you can definitely use in business English and in your daily life:
#1: Happy to do that
The full phrase is, “I’d be happy to do that” or “I’m happy to do that.”
However, when you use this you can drop the subject and verb.
You can just say, “Happy to do that.”
This is a useful phrase in informal writing and spoken English.
#2: I’d love to
This has the same meaning as ‘happy to do that,’ but with a little extra enthusiasm.
It means you really want to do something.
You wouldn’t say “I’d love to” when you’re not really willing or thrilled to do what is asked of you.
Reserve this phrase for things you are genuinely excited about.
#3: I’m thrilled to
Just like “I’d love to,” this has an even bigger emotion than “I’m happy to.”
You are expressing that you’re really excited, and it means something deeper.
You can say this when you earn a big opportunity like a promotion.
This should also be used for something you’re really excited about.
#4: I’m honored to
This is more profound.
You’re sharing that you are honored to do something.
For example, someone may ask you to be a godparent or be their maid of honor.
This can be something that is more meaningful for you, then you can respond with this.
#5: I’d be overjoyed
Just like saying, “I’m honored,” this is also something profound.
This is perfect for something that is a milestone in your life.
As this is for extreme happiness, don’t use it for everyday situations.
We also use this sarcastically.
If you’re not at all happy about something you could sarcastically say you’re overjoyed to do it.
Playful ways to agree
Here are other phrases you can use jokingly and be playful in your response to someone.
These should not be used at work.
Coworkers and superiors might be confused or offended.
However, they’re great for being fun and playful with friends and family.
Not happy about it!
“I’ll do it but I’m not happy about it” is a fun and playful phrase.
If you’re asked do something you don’t want to do by a friend, you can respond playfully and say this phrase.
It’s a playful way to say I’ll do it, but I want you to know that I’m not excited about it.
Not thrilled about it!
“I’m up for the challenge but I’m not thrilled about this.”
This would be best used as a response to your colleague but not your manager.
This is a good way to show you have a can-do attitude and will still be willing to do a task even though it may not be your forte or may take too much of your time.
You should consider who you’re talking to and your relationship with them when using this phrase.
Roleplay
Lindsay and Aubrey share a roleplay to help you better understand how to use these phrases in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are dividing up tasks for an upcoming service project.
Lindsay: Would you be able to send the invitations?
Aubrey: Yes, absolutely! I’d be happy to do that. And can you arrange the carpool?
Lindsay: I’d love to! Good idea to set up a carpool. Would you be able to drive?
Aubrey: Yeah. For sure. Happy to drive, so put me down for that. Let’s go for a treat after. Want to pick a place?
Lindsay: I’d be thrilled to pick an ice cream spot afterward.
Takeaway
Having a good attitude and responding positively makes things easy and joyful for everyone.
Having a positive can-do attitude is an admirable skill in business.
You can show your positive attitude by using the phrases taught in today’s episode when responding to your colleagues and superiors.
The world has so much negativity.
We can each be a positive light in every group we’re a part of.
What phrases are you going to use at work?
Let us know in the comments below.
