Engaging in Effective Discussions
Mastering the Art of Discussion
Engaging in discussions is an essential part of communication in both professional and social contexts. Being able to ask for opinions, seek explanations, and express your own views effectively can enhance your interaction with others. This lesson will introduce you to 40 useful phrases for discussions, providing examples and meanings for each. By the end of this lesson, learners will be equipped with the skills to participate in discussions confidently and clearly.
Useful Vocabulary for Discussions
In this lesson, we will explore a variety of phrases that can be used to ask for opinions, seek explanations, and give your own opinions. These phrases are essential for effective communication and can be used in a range of situations, from casual conversations to formal meetings. Understanding and using these phrases correctly will help you communicate more effectively and engage in meaningful discussions.
What You Will Learn
- Asking for Opinions: Learn various phrases to ask for someone's opinion.
- Seeking Explanations: Understand how to ask for explanations and clarifications.
- Giving Your Opinion: Learn phrases to express your own views effectively.
- Practical Examples: See real-life examples of discussion phrases to understand their application.
- Improving Communication Skills: Enhance your ability to engage in discussions confidently.
- Boosting Confidence: Gain confidence in your ability to participate in discussions in English.
- Interactive Practice: Engage in exercises to practice using these phrases.
By the end of this lesson, learners will have a thorough understanding of how to use these phrases in discussions, enabling them to communicate more effectively and confidently in various scenarios.
Asking for Opinions
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Could you tell me...?
- Used to ask someone for their opinion or information.
- Example: "Could you tell me what you think about the new policy?"
- Meaning: You are asking for someone's opinion on the new policy.
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What's your opinion about...?
- Used to inquire about someone's thoughts on a specific topic.
- Example: "What's your opinion about remote working?"
- Meaning: You want to know what the person thinks about working from home.
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How do you feel about...?
- Used to ask for someone's feelings or thoughts on a subject.
- Example: "How do you feel about the recent changes in the company?"
- Meaning: You are asking for the person's feelings regarding the changes.
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What do you think about/of...?
- Used to ask for someone's opinion on something.
- Example: "What do you think about the new project proposal?"
- Meaning: You are asking for the person's thoughts on the project proposal.
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Do you think/feel...?
- Used to ask if someone has a particular opinion or feeling.
- Example: "Do you think the new schedule will work?"
- Meaning: You are asking if the person believes the new schedule will be effective.
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May I ask you...?
- Used to politely ask for someone's opinion or information.
- Example: "May I ask you what your thoughts are on this matter?"
- Meaning: You are politely asking for the person's opinion.
Asking for Explanations
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Could you explain to me...?
- Used to ask someone to explain something to you.
- Example: "Could you explain to me how this system works?"
- Meaning: You are asking for an explanation of the system.
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Just tell me the reason why...?
- Used to ask for the reason behind something.
- Example: "Just tell me the reason why we need to change the plan."
- Meaning: You are asking for the reason for changing the plan.
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What do you mean by that?
- Used to ask for clarification on a statement.
- Example: "What do you mean by 'improve efficiency'?"
- Meaning: You are asking for an explanation of the phrase 'improve efficiency'.
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Could someone please tell me...?
- Used to ask a group for information or an explanation.
- Example: "Could someone please tell me what the agenda for the meeting is?"
- Meaning: You are asking the group for the meeting's agenda.
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Are you saying that...?
- Used to clarify someone's statement.
- Example: "Are you saying that we need to start over?"
- Meaning: You are seeking confirmation of what the person said.
Giving Your Opinion
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In my opinion/view...
- Used to introduce your opinion.
- Example: "In my opinion, we should focus on customer satisfaction."
- Meaning: You are expressing your opinion that customer satisfaction is important.
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Let me put it this/another way...
- Used to rephrase your opinion or statement.
- Example: "Let me put it this way, we need to improve our marketing strategy."
- Meaning: You are rephrasing your opinion for clarity.
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What I actually meant was...
- Used to clarify your previous statement.
- Example: "What I actually meant was that we should prioritise quality."
- Meaning: You are clarifying that prioritising quality is important.
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It seems to me that...
- Used to express your opinion tentatively.
- Example: "It seems to me that we are heading in the right direction."
- Meaning: You are expressing your belief that things are progressing well.
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The point I'm trying to make is...
- Used to summarise your main argument or point.
- Example: "The point I'm trying to make is that we need more resources."
- Meaning: You are emphasising the need for more resources.
Additional Phrases for Discussions
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I believe that...
- Used to express a strong opinion.
- Example: "I believe that we can achieve our goals with hard work."
- Meaning: You are confident that hard work will lead to success.
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From my perspective...
- Used to introduce your viewpoint.
- Example: "From my perspective, we should invest in new technology."
- Meaning: You think that investing in new technology is important.
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As far as I'm concerned...
- Used to express your personal opinion.
- Example: "As far as I'm concerned, we should continue with the current plan."
- Meaning: You believe the current plan is the best option.
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To my mind...
- Used to express your opinion.
- Example: "To my mind, this is the best approach to solve the problem."
- Meaning: You think this approach is the best solution.
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If you ask me...
- Used to express your opinion informally.
- Example: "If you ask me, we should take a different approach."
- Meaning: You think a different approach is needed.
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I'd like to point out that...
- Used to highlight an important point.
- Example: "I'd like to point out that we have limited time."
- Meaning: You are emphasising the importance of time constraints.
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The way I see it...
- Used to express your viewpoint.
- Example: "The way I see it, we need to improve our communication."
- Meaning: You think that improving communication is necessary.
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It's my belief that...
- Used to express your conviction.
- Example: "It's my belief that we should invest in training."
- Meaning: You believe investing in training is important.
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In my experience...
- Used to introduce your opinion based on personal experience.
- Example: "In my experience, this method works best."
- Meaning: You are sharing your opinion based on what has worked for you before.
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As I see it...
- Used to express your viewpoint.
- Example: "As I see it, we need to increase our marketing efforts."
- Meaning: You think increasing marketing efforts is necessary.
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To my knowledge...
- Used to express your understanding.
- Example: "To my knowledge, we have never faced this issue before."
- Meaning: You believe that this issue is new.
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It is my understanding that...
- Used to express your belief based on what you know.
- Example: "It is my understanding that we need more data."
- Meaning: You believe more data is needed based on what you know.
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I feel strongly that...
- Used to express a strong opinion.
- Example: "I feel strongly that we should change our strategy."
- Meaning: You believe a change in strategy is very important.
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I'd suggest that...
- Used to make a recommendation.
- Example: "I'd suggest that we review the plan."
- Meaning: You recommend reviewing the plan.
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It seems likely that...
- Used to express a probable opinion.
- Example: "It seems likely that we will achieve our targets."
- Meaning: You think it is probable that targets will be met.
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My view is that...
- Used to express your opinion.
- Example: "My view is that we should expand our team."
- Meaning: You believe expanding the team is a good idea.
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I'd like to emphasise that...
- Used to highlight an important point.
- Example: "I'd like to emphasise that this decision is critical."
- Meaning: You think the decision is very important.
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I tend to think that...
- Used to express a tentative opinion.
- Example: "I tend to think that we need more time."
- Meaning: You are inclined to believe that more time is needed.
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I maintain that...
- Used to assert a strong opinion.
- Example: "I maintain that we should stick to the original plan."
- Meaning: You strongly believe the original plan is best.
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My impression is that...
- Used to express your general feeling or belief.
- Example: "My impression is that the team is motivated."
- Meaning: You believe the team is motivated.
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I gather that...
- Used to express an opinion based on information received.
- Example: "I gather that the project is on schedule."
- Meaning: You believe the project is on schedule based on the information you have.
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I suspect that...
- Used to express a probable opinion.
- Example: "I suspect that we might face some challenges."
- Meaning: You think it is likely that challenges will arise.
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I'm convinced that...
- Used to express a strong belief.
- Example: "I'm convinced that this strategy will work."
- Meaning: You strongly believe the strategy will be successful.
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I'm certain that...
- Used to express absolute confidence.
- Example: "I'm certain that we will meet our goals."
- Meaning: You are absolutely confident that goals will be met.
Summary and Takeaways
Exercises for Independent Practice
To reinforce your understanding of these discussion phrases, practice using them in different contexts. Write out scenarios where you might need to ask for opinions, seek explanations, or give your own opinion and use these phrases. Role-playing with a friend or language partner can also help you become more comfortable using these expressions.
Lesson Summary
This lesson covered 40 useful phrases for discussions in English, providing detailed explanations and examples for each one. Learners were introduced to phrases that can be used in various contexts, such as asking for opinions, seeking explanations, and giving their own opinions.
What Learners Gained
Learners now have a comprehensive list of phrases that can help them participate in discussions effectively. This knowledge will improve their ability to engage in meaningful conversations and communicate their ideas clearly.
Key Phrases Learnt
- "Could you tell me...?"
- "What's your opinion about...?"
- "Could you explain to me...?"
- "In my opinion/view..."
- "The point I'm trying to make is..."
Tips for Remembering
- Regular Practice: Use these phrases regularly in your discussions.
- Flashcards: Create flashcards with the phrases and their meanings to test yourself.
- Role-playing: Practice role-playing different scenarios to reinforce your understanding.
Encouragement to Share and Engage
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