Speak Confident English

  I hope you don'd mind me asking...

  I know I shouldn't ask, but....

　　- Well, before I answer that question you tell me ....

　　- I am sorry, I really don't want to answer that.

　　- Ummm, that's really personal. I am not going to answer that.

　　- Why do you need to know that????

　　- Why don't I just give you my diary?

　　- My lips are sealed.

gossip: dish some dirt / chew the fat

Someone wants to share the gossip with you.

  OMG! Do you know what Jeff looked like yesterday?

　　1. change it up

　　　　- No, i didn't. Anyway, ....

　　2. shut it down

　　　　- I don't really feel like talking about someone behind their back.

　　　　- I feel bad talking about someone when they are not here.

　　　　- You know, I'm not really into gossip. Do you like to talk about something else?

 How to Give Bad News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzWf4I5cbdk

　　1. Be prepared (practicing)

　　2. Be Direct & Assertive (Cut to the chase)

　　　　- I am so sorry to have to tell you this, but....

　　　　- I'm afraid we won't be able to...

　　3. Give time

　　　　- I know this was a shock. i'll give you some moment to think about it.

　　4. Give the background details.

　　　　- Unfortunatelly, there were some problems with....

　　5. Be caring

　　　　- I can appreciate your feelings. I know that this isn't what you hoped for.

　　6. Be supportive

　　　　- Would you like to talk about some alternatives?

　　7. Don't take it personally