CSEET · Business Communication · Business Correspondence
Which of the following sentences from a business letter is an example of positive, tactful wording rather than negative wording?
The sentence 'Please send us the order number so that we can process your request promptly' is positive and tactful because it states the action needed and its benefit politely. The alternatives stress the reader's failure or the refusal, creating a negative tone.
- AYou failed to mention the order number, so we cannot proceed.
- BWe cannot process your request because you made an error.
- CPlease send us the order number so that we can process your request promptly.Correct
- DYour request is invalid without the order number.
Explanation
Option 3 tells the reader what to do and the benefit of doing so, in courteous terms. The others emphasise the reader's fault or the refusal, which is negative in tone.
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