Final answer:
The principal's request for assistance, paired with the context provided, suggests a tone of "Embarrassment or discomfort" rather than confidence, appreciation, or authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal's statement, "Please help me out by lending me a hand," accompanied by his tone, suggests an atmosphere of Embarrassment or discomfort (Option B). There's a sense of humility and a request for assistance, which doesn't exude Confidence and enthusiasm (Option A), Sincerity and appreciation (Option C), or Authority and command (Option D). The examples provided, such as the person who spoke with a mild stiffness or the person who felt nervous, all illustrate individuals in states of discomfort or unease, which supports the identification of the principal's statement as one of embarrassment or mild discomfort, rather than the other options provided.