Speaking Up in Meetings

Goal Give your opinion, agree and disagree politely in meetings.

GIVING AN OPINION

I think ... / In my view ...
From what I've seen on the floor, ...

AGREEING

I agree. / Good point. / That makes sense.

DISAGREEING POLITELY (soften first, then give a reason)

I see what you mean, but ...
That's true, although ...
I'm not sure that would work, because ...

INTERRUPTING POLITELY

Sorry to interrupt, but ...
Can I just add something?

ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION

What do you mean by ...?
Could you give an example?

DIALOGUE

Manager I'm thinking of moving the stocktake to Friday afternoons.

Lena I see what you mean, but Friday afternoon is our busiest delivery time. Could we do Thursday instead?

Manager Good point. Let's try Thursday for a month.

PRACTICE

Your manager suggests that everyone starts at 5:30 am in summer to avoid the heat.
Write one polite agreement and one polite disagreement with a reason.

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