How do you make instructions and orders sound polite?

The easiest way to give orders would be to use imperatives. For instance, ‘Fill up this form.’ But of course, that sounds quite rude, doesn’t it? Using a ‘please’ might sound better (Fill up this form, please) but there are more ways to soften your orders and instructions and make them sound less bossy.

The trick is in making expressions sound distant from the immediate present reality. Here are some ways to do it.

You’ll need to fill up this form.

That will be Rs 2000, please.

I’ll have to ask you to wait outside until the officer arrives.