If you like it then you should put a frame on it.

Hi, and a very happy Monday to you! 

IF YOU LIKE IT THEN YOU SHOULD PUT A FRAME ON IT. 

What?
This is all about…framing.
This is something that native speakers do so naturally, but non-natives have to work hard (and often read between the lines) to learn how to do this.

And guess what? This important English communication technique is NOT taught at school.
You often learn that you haven’t framed your message correctly when your counterpart seems shocked, surprised, offended, or gives you an answer that you totally didn’t expect. 

I can explain everything about the theory, but let me show you an example instead.
This is actually based on a true story.

If you are a client of a web builder, and they are building a fabulous new website, and experience difficulties – which one would you want to hear?  The first or the second one? 





Most non-natives, due to lack of vocabulary and active use of nuances, choose the direct approach. This is all too true in the Netherlands, where it’s understood if it’s a ‘formal’ or ‘informal’ situation by using ‘U’ or ‘je’. 

However, in English we do NOT have a formal way of saying ‘you’. We package our message to show respect and professionality. 

If you look in the second sentence, you will actually see 6 (!) ways a native speaker would package this message to a new client. 

In the first one, if you use the Present Simple tense, it means that this situation will never change or end. Is that what you want to say to this new client?




In the second sentence you use a temporary time indicator (‘currently’), you use the Present Progressive (the ‘ing’ form of the verb which means it’s going to end or change), you specify not only the amount but also the type of problem you are having….I mean…the issue you are experiencing.




Don’t get me wrong – the first approach could be correct for the RIGHT kind of situation.
However, it’s not going to work for MOST of the business situations you will encounter these days.

This approach is not taught at school. 
You only learn the rules when you break them.

This is just 1 of the many, many lessons I have waiting for you in my free webinar on January 31! It’s full of these important yet powerful communication tools that make the difference between good and great English. 

See you there!
www.communication-nation.com

PS: Space is limited, and it will not be recorded. Be there or be square!