1. Direct Questions
Direct questions can be impolite at times, especially when you are talking to a stranger. For example :
– Where is the bus station ?
– What time is it ?

To make this question more polite :
– Excuse me, where is the bus station ?
– Pardon me, what time is it ?

2. Can versus Could
Questions with « can » are made more polite by using « could » :
– Could you tell me the time.
– Could you help me with my bags.

TIP
You can use « please » at the end of a question to make it even more polite :
– Could you tell me the time, please ?
– Could you help me with my bags, please ?