The Five Superstrategies
In order, from most Face saving act to least Face saving act.
Do not do the Face Threatening Act.
- Here, the threat to Face is extremely high.
Do it off the record.
- Here, the threat to Face is very high.
Negative politeness.
- Here, the threat to Face is relatively high.
Positive politeness.
- Here, the threat to Face is relatively low.
Do it blatantly.
- Here, there is no attempt to acknowledge a hearer’s Face wants.