Handling Slow Service Politely: Conversation Practice

In this video, you’ll learn how to handle slow service in a restaurant while remaining polite and respectful. The conversation shows how to ask about delays in a way that maintains a positive tone. For example, saying "Excuse me, we’ve been waiting a long time" is a polite way to bring up an issue without sounding confrontational.

The server responds with an apology and offers a solution by checking on the order and offering bread as a gesture of goodwill. This shows how service staff can acknowledge the delay and help make the waiting time more comfortable.

If the delay continues, you can ask, "Do you know how much longer?" in a polite, non-demanding way to follow up. The server, in turn, reassures the customer by promising to check and report back.

By using polite language in these types of situations, you create a more pleasant dining experience, even when service is slow. Practice these phrases to feel more confident in real-life dining situations.