In my experience, "Who is this?" is generally perceived as more polite than "Who are you?" or similar. I don't have a good reason for it. There are other more-polite forms, as noted in the other answers, but "Who is this?" is direct, reasonable, and unlikely to offend.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how do you politely ask someone for explanation?

There are a few simple steps to follow when you're looking for further explanation.

1. Admit you need clarification. Admitting you need more information makes the next step much easier for the person you ask.
2. Don't blame the other person. Own your confusion.
3. Summarize.
4. Be specific.

One may also ask, how do you politely ask for someone's time?

Have you got a minute to talk?

I need to share something with you when you have a minute.

I need a minute or two of your time when you can… just need to tell you something.

I know you're busy, but when you have minute can we talk?

Please, see me when you have a minute.

Accordingly, how do you politely ask an answer?

Asking for a Reply in a Formal Email

1. Do not be in a haste to do a follow-up. Wait for a few days, you may wait for about two days. If you do not get a response then you can send a message reminder.
2. Be sure to come up with the right intention.
3. If it is urgent, say so and explain briefly why it is urgent.

What is polite request?

A request is when we ask someone for something. Since we are asking someone for help, it is important to be polite. These are not polite requests. They are in fact quite rude. People will be offended because they will think that you are giving them orders.

Related Question Answers

How do you ask for something nicely?

Use “WOULD YOU DO ME A FAVOR.” This is often used and you must use it when you are asking for a special request or favor. Other phrases for asking something to someone nicely are “DO YOU MIND,” WOULD YOU MIND, COULD I, WOULD IT BE OK IF, WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE, WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO, etc.

Can I ask you something meaning?

You could also say, “May I ask you something?” to be extremely polite. “Can I ask you something?” is for a present moment question. Could is related to can. Can implies a question about your ability.

Can you please help me with the request below?

The word "below” can only be used as a preposition or an adverb. In your sentence the word "below” in "the below request" is used as an adjective and that is incorrect. So, the correct sentence would be: Could you assist (me) with the request below?

Can you please clarify for me?

When you ask someone to clarify something for you, it suggests that you are following what the person is saying and understand the majority or all of the key points, but you need more details on a certain point. Or perhaps the other person wasn't fully clear (it happens!) so they need to restate their idea another way.

Can you please or could you please?

"Could" is the polite form of "can"—so both are correct, but we use them in different situations. We use "can" when we are telling someone to do something. We use "could" when we are making a request. Teacher to students: "Can you please be quiet!"

Can you please explain me?

Would you please explain it to me? If this is what you meant to write, then would means that you would like someone to explain it to you. Can, in context, would refer to if you can explain it. In other words, can sounds more demanding and would means it's optional or something.

How do you ask a clarifying question?

Guidelines for Clarifying

Ask for repetition. State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. Ask for specific examples. Use open, non-directive questions - if appropriate.

How do you politely tell someone to wait in an email?

You could say, “Can you hold on for a minute? Someone's at the door.” Or, “I have an emergency to take care of. I'll get back to you in 30 minutes.”

How do you ask for a response?

To increase your chances of getting of a reply, here are nine tricks you can try:

1. Ask For A Response In Your Subject Line.
2. Change The Subject Line When The Topic Changes.
3. Don't Skip The Greeting.
4. Start Your Message With A Clear Request.
5. Stay In The Sweet Spot When It Comes To Length.
6. Use Third-Grade Language.
7. Use Emotion.

How do you remind someone without being rude?

1. Rule 1: Be Overly Polite and Humble. That seems obvious enough, but a lot of people take it personally when they don't hear back from someone right away.
2. Rule 2: Persistent Doesn't Mean Every Day.
3. Rule 3: Directly Ask if You Should Stop Reaching Out.
4. Rule 4: Stand Out in a Good Way.
5. Rule 5: Change it Up.

How do you say professionally in an email?

1. That sounds great, thank you!
2. Great Plan, looking forward do it!
3. Okay that sounds great to me, let me know if anything changes in the mean time.
4. Perfect! Thank you for your work on this!
5. Okay that sounds great! See you then!
6. Okay, that works for me. Thanks again!
7. Okay, thank you for letting me know.
8. Okay, I agree.

How do you remind someone to text back?

Here are a few tips:

1. Be overly polite.
2. Don't bring up their inaction or unresponsiveness ("You haven't responded yet")
3. Don't assume any reasons for lack of communication ("I understand you're busy")
4. Use "I" and "Me" rather than "You" - frame the request as a need you have rather than a failure on their part.

How do you write a formal email asking for information?

Use a Good Structure

1. You start the email or letter by explaining what you are writing about (the topic/subject) and what the email's purpose is (i.e. you want to ask them some questions or for something).
2. Then in the next section, you ask them the questions or requests.

How do you ask someone Can I call you?

I would say "When you have time, can you call me?" Or "I want to talk to you in more detail about (something) so would you mind calling me?" Or "I rather talk then text, would you be okay calling me instead" These are just a couple ways to ask. You tell them you have some great information for them.

How do you ask if someone is single?

8 Ways to Ask Someone if They Are Single

1. Ask them directly.
2. Assume they have a partner and ask them about their life.
3. Ask for phone number first.
4. Check for couple items.
5. Pay attention to body language.
6. Speak with their friends and acquaintances.
7. Check their profiles on social media.
8. Lead the conversation so they can tell you on their own.

How do you ask if someone is free?

I don't want to be informal, but I don't have to be too formal either. Let me know when you are free so that we can discuss this in more details. Let me know when you are available so that we can discuss this in more details. Let me know when you are not busy so that we can discuss this in more details.

How do you start a conversation?

Comment on the weather.

1. Ask for information. A great way to start a conversation is to ask for information from the person you want to talk to.
2. Pay a compliment.
3. Comment on something pleasant.
4. Introduce yourself.
5. Offer help.
6. Ask for help.
7. Mention a shared experience.
8. Ask an opinion.

How do you ask if someone is busy?

How to ask a busy person (me, for example) for some of their time!

• Introduce yourself properly. Tell me about yourself.
• Do your homework.
• Why do you want to meet me?
• Are you offering me anything in exchange?
• Remain responsive.
• Make it easy for me.
• Follow up.
• Keep in mind.

Is it talk to you or talk with you?

You can say “Sue is talking to John” or “Sue is talking with John” – they're the same! Some people claim that talk to should be used when it's only one person speaking, and talk with should be used when it's more of a two-sided discussion. However, in practice, many native speakers use both interchangeably.

Can I call you is correct?

"Can I call you?" is used when you want to ask permission to phone someone at an undetermined point in the future. "Shall I call you?" is used when you want to offer to phone someone.

How do you get someone to talk to you without saying anything?

1. Have the person you're with hold something warm. Bryan Thomas/Getty Images.
2. Speak in a higher-pitched voice.
3. Dress fashionably.
4. Look self-assured and energetic.
5. Copy the person you're with.
6. Spend more time around the people you're hoping to befriend.
7. Casually touch your conversation partner.
8. Smile.

Can we talk reply?

You could respond by saying, “Yes.