University:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Course:
15.501/516 | Accounting
Academic year:

2023
Views:

351

Pages:

3
Author:

Viviana Berg

General Conversation Gambits • Hesitation Uh . . . Well, um . . . Let's see. Let me think. How should I put it? That's a good question. I'll have to think about that. • Clarification: Others Sorry, but I don't see what you mean. Could you be more specific? Could you explain that in more detail? Do you mean . . . ? What do you mean by . . . ? If I understand you correctly, . . . . What you're saying is . . . . What you're trying to say is . . . . (careful) Are you sure? (careful) • Clarification: Self What I mean is . . . . What I meant was . . . . Let me put it (say it) another way. What I'm saying is . . . . What I'm trying to say is . . . . In other words, . . . . I didn't mean to say that. • • Interruptions Pardon/excuse me, but. . . . Sorry/Excuse me for interrupting, but . . . . May I ask a question? May I add something? I'd like to comment on that. I'd like to say something here. Could I just jump in here? What about . . . ? Refusing Interruptions Please let me finish. Just let me finish my point; I'll get back to you. I'd like to finish what I was saying. Could I just finish my point? • Resuming After Allowing Interruptions In any case, . . . . One last point, . . . . To return to X, . . . . To get back to X, . . . . Anyway, . . . . Where was I? • Making Suggestions/ Giving Advice May I make a suggestion? Don't you think . . . ? Wouldn't you say (agree or think) . . . ? Wouldn't it be better if . . . ? Why don't you try . . . ? You might want to consider. . . . Are you sure . . . ? (careful) Let's . . . . Perhaps we could . . . . Why not . . . ? How about . . . ? I suggest that we . . . . • Asking for Suggestions/Advice Do you have any suggestions? What do you think? What would you do? What should I do? • Accepting and Rejecting Suggestions/Advice That's a good point (idea, approach) Thanks for reminding me. Yes, why don't we try that? I want to think about that I hadn't thought about that. That's a good idea, but . . . . That would be great, except. . . . Yes, but don't forget . . . . Yes, but keep in mind . . . . Yes, but consider . . . . Possibly, but . . . . Well, the problem is . . . . • Giving an Opinion I think. . . . I believe . . . . In my opinion, . . . . As far as I'm concerned. . . . Personally, I think . . . . It seems to me that . . . . • Asking about Agreement Do you agree? Don't you agree? Wouldn't you agree? Don't you think so? • Agreeing and Disagreeing That's a good point. I (completely) agree (with you). That's true. That makes sense. I think so, too. I couldn't agree more. That's not how I see it. I don't really agree with you. I'm afraid I can't agree with you. I'm not sure I quite agree with you. Yes, that may be true, but . . . . Well, you have a point, but . . . . I can see your point, but . . . . I see what you mean, but . . . . Do you see it that way? I think . . . .