Mitigate your speech when asking for favors.

When asking for favors, mitigating your speech will go a long way in convincing the other person to agree with you.

1. Downplay or sugarcoat the meaning of what you are saying.
   For example, instead of saying, “I’ll need this form back by Monday,” to your boss (as you will risk stirring resentment in him), say, “Don’t bother if it’s too much trouble, but I would really appreciate it if you could take a look at this over the weekend.” This technique is best used when you are being polite, or putting someone in an awkward or embarrassing situation. Try this out with the next favor you will ask for.