Before a concert, Dolly works with a team: a dresser, a hairdresser and a make-up artist. You need to ask for something, offer help, suggest an idea, say no politely and pay a compliment.
To do this, we use modal verbs and polite structures: Could you...? Would you like me to...? Shall I...? What about...? I'd rather...
Quick check. Make it more polite: Give me the pink one.
| Function | Useful phrases |
|---|---|
| Requests | Could you...? · Can I have...? · Could you make it a bit more...? |
| Offers | Would you like me to...? · Shall I...? · Do you want me to...? |
| Suggestions | What about...? · Why don't we...? · It might look better if... |
| Polite disagreement | I'm not sure about... · I'd rather... · I see what you mean, but... |
| Compliments | I love the way... · That looks amazing! · You look fabulous! |
Request, offer, suggestion, disagreement or compliment?
Shall I · I'd rather · Could you · What about · I love
A: ... the white dress? B: Hmm, ... wear the pink one. A: OK. ... take it in at the waist? B: Yes, please. ... make it a bit shorter too? A: Of course. B: ... the way you work!
What about · I'd rather · Shall I · Could you · I love
Work in pairs. One student plays Dolly, the other plays the professional. Prepare for five minutes with your card, play the scene for two or three minutes, then change roles. Choose your tier: Entry, Core or Stretch starters.
Sentence starters, Dolly
Entry I want... · I like... · It's too...
Core Could you make it a bit more...? · I'd rather... · I love the way...
Stretch I'm not sure about..., it might... · Would it be possible to...? · What I really need is...
Sentence starters, the dresser
Entry Do you want...? · Here is... · Is it OK? · Can I...?
Core Would you like me to...? · What about the...? · Shall I...?
Stretch It might look better if... · For the quick change, I'd suggest... · If we use a zip instead of buttons, you'll...
Professional words: fitting, costume, rhinestone suit, sequins, fringe, hem, zip, seam, to take in, to let out, quick change, rack, steamer, safety pin.
Dresser: Here are your two outfits: the pink rhinestone suit and the white fringe dress.
Dolly: Oh, I love the pink one! Could you make the jacket a bit tighter?
Dresser: Of course. Shall I take it in at the waist?
Dolly: Yes, please. And the quick change, is it possible in two minutes?
Dresser: It might be faster if we use a zip instead of buttons.
Dolly: Good idea. I'd rather have a zip, then. You're a star!
Sentence starters, Dolly
Entry I want big hair. · I like... · Not this one.
Core Could you make it a bit higher? · I'd rather have... · I love the way...
Stretch I'm not sure about the colour, could we...? · What would you suggest for...?
Sentence starters, the hairdresser
Entry Do you like...? · This wig is... · More or less?
Core Would you like me to add...? · What about curls? · Shall I...?
Stretch It might look better if we... · Under the stage lights, a lighter shade would... · I'd recommend...
Professional words: wig, hairpiece, wig cap, styling, volume, curls, waves, teasing, hairspray, hairpins, bleached, highlights, shade, platinum, golden.
Hairdresser: Would you like the platinum wig or the golden one tonight?
Dolly: The platinum one, please. The bigger the better!
Hairdresser: Shall I add more volume on top?
Dolly: Yes, and could you make the curls a bit softer?
Hairdresser: Sure. Under the stage lights, a little hairspray will keep them in place.
Dolly: I love the way it shines. Thank you, honey!
Sentence starters, Dolly
Entry I want... · More colour, please. · It's perfect!
Core Could you make it a bit more...? · I'd rather... · I love the way...
Stretch I'm not sure about..., could we try...? · That's lovely, but maybe...
Sentence starters, the make-up artist
Entry Close your eyes, please. · This colour is... · Do you like...?
Core Would you like me to...? · What about a pink lipstick? · First I'll..., then I'll...
Stretch It might look better if... · Under the lights, this shade will... · I'd suggest a lighter...
Professional words: foundation, concealer, contouring, highlighter, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, false lashes, lip liner, lipstick, stage make-up, setting spray, glitter.
Make-up artist: First I'll put on the foundation, then we'll do the eyes.
Dolly: Lovely. I'd like lilac eyeshadow, like on the Warhol portrait.
Make-up artist: Good choice. Would you like me to add false lashes?
Dolly: Yes, please! And could you make the lips a bit brighter?
Make-up artist: What about this red? Under the lights, it will look perfect.
Dolly: I love the way you work. I'm ready for the show!
Choose one scene. Play it without reading, using at least four phrases from the table and five professional words. Your classmates use the grid below.
| Criterion | Not yet | Entry | Core | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interaction: I react and keep the conversation going | I read my card only | I answer with short phrases | I answer and ask questions | I react to everything, I suggest and negotiate |
| Polite requests, offers and suggestions | None | Can I / I want | Could you / Would you like me to / What about | It might look better if / I'd rather / Would it be possible |
| Professional vocabulary | Fewer than 3 words | 3 to 5 words | 6 to 9 words | 10 words or more, used precisely |
| Pronunciation and fluency | Hard to understand | Understandable with pauses | Clear, few pauses | Clear and natural, with good intonation |
| Role and situation | Off topic | Partly in role | In role all the time | In role, with humour and empathy |
Dolly gave young artists a lot of advice. Miley Cyrus remembered this one: “You do you, I'll do me, and together we'll be us.” (Billboard, 2025). What advice would Dolly give a young singer before her first big show?
Negotiate a compromise: I see your point, but... · How about we meet halfway? · If we..., then you'll... Replay your scene with a disagreement that ends with a compromise.