text: I was in Poznan around Christmas.  I ordered all my beers very politely in English and by pointing.  Say it with a big smile and then thank the bartender and tip well.  Dzienkuje (jen-KOO-yeh) is "thank you".  Draw a map for the cab drivers to show them where your hotel is.  And NEVER NEVER NEVER walk into a store and say, "Does anyone speak English here?"  I did just fine.