Asking for Clarification (6)
• What do you mean?
• I’m not sure what you mean.
• Sorry, but I don’t understand what you mean
• Could you explain what you mean by ...?
• Are you saying that .........?
• I’m not sure I follow you. Did you say that ....?
Clarifying or Restating (Your Comments) (4)
• I mean .......
• In other words, ........
• The point I’m trying to make is.....
• What I’m trying to say is….
Asking for an Opinion (3)
• What do you think of .........?
• How do you feel about .....?
• What’s your opinion of ........?
Giving an Opinion (4)
• In my opinion, .........
• Personally, I think that ........
• It seems to me .........
• As far as I’m concerned, .........
Agreeing (6)
• (a) That’s right.
• (b) You’re right.
• (c) I think so, too.
• (d) I agree with you.
• (e) I definitely agree.
• (f) I completely agree with you.
Expressing Reservations (3)
• Yes, but.....
• Possibly. but.....
• Yes, but the problem is....
Disagreeing (3)
• I don’t really agree with you.
• I’m not sure I agree with you. The reason is that.....
• Yes, that may be true, but.....
Getting Attention (5)
To indicate that you want to speak, you can use nonverbal signals such as leaning forward or raising your hand. You can also gain the attention of the group members during a pause by saying:
• May (could) I ask a question?
• May (could) I say something here?
• May (could I make a suggestion?
or :
• I have a question I’d like to ask.
• I have a point I’d like to make.
Interrupting (4)
If you feel that a interruption would be appropriate, you can wait for a pause in the conversation and then say:
• Excuse me, but........
• Pardon me, but........
• Excuse me for interrupting, but.......
• Sorry to interrupt, but........
Keeping Your Turn (3)
• Excuse me, I’d just like to finish this point.
• If you could wait for a second, I’m just about to finish my point.
• Could I please just finish my point?
Continuing after an Interruption (4)
• Anyway, .......
• In any case, .......
• Going back to what I was saying, ......
• As I was saying, .........
Last changed2 years ago