Louise Mullany has taught the science of politeness at the University of Nottingham for the past 25 years, where she is Professor of Sociolinguistics. As well as lecturing and researching in this pioneering field, she works as a consultant with businesses, public sector organisations and charities, applying politeness and sociolinguistics to improve performance. She has published several books on language and linguistics and is author of over 50 journal and chapters on language and communication in businesses, healthcare, politics and sport. She has also been a guest speaker on professional communication in a number of countries around the world.