General options:
* Politeness: This is the most general term and simply refers to being courteous and respectful in your communication.
* Courtesy: Similar to politeness, but can also emphasize being considerate and helpful.
* Tact: This implies being sensitive to the feelings of others and avoiding saying anything that might offend them.
* Diplomacy: This is used when you're trying to navigate a delicate situation and find a way to say something that will be acceptable to everyone involved.
* Softening: This is a more direct way of saying you're making something sound less harsh or negative.
More specific options:
* Sugarcoating: This implies making something sound more positive than it really is, often to avoid confrontation.
* Euphemism: This refers to using a more polite or indirect way of saying something that might be considered offensive or taboo.
* Understating: This is the opposite of sugarcoating, where you intentionally downplay the seriousness of something.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the effect you're trying to achieve.