Unit 2 - Handling Discussions

Word

Example

to make a point

I'd like to make a point about the budget.

to raise an issue

May I raise an issue before we move on?

to interrupt

Please don't interrupt while someone is speaking.

to take turns

Let's take turns to ensure everyone is heard.

clarification

Could you give some clarification on that?

misunderstanding

There seems to be a misunderstanding here.

to ask for clarification

Can I ask for clarification about the proposal?

to agree

I completely agree with your point.

to disagree

I'm afraid I have to disagree with that.

partial agreement

The client gave partial agreement by showing interest but asking for more details before committing.

strongly disagree

I strongly disagree with that interpretation.

to make a suggestion

I'd like to make a suggestion.

to propose an idea

He proposed an idea for a short trial period to reduce the client's hesitation.

to object

I object to that proposal.

objection

Do you have any objections?

constructive criticism

Let's keep the discussion focused on constructive criticism.

input

We welcome your input on this matter.

to keep the discussion on track

Let's keep the discussion on track.

to summarize

I'll summarize the main points.

to go off-topic

Let's not go off-topic, please.

to steer the conversation

The chairperson steered the conversation back.

talking over someone

Try to avoid talking over others.

to clarify one's position

I'd like to clarify my position on this.

emphasize

I want to emphasize how important this is.

to express concern

I'd like to express concern about the delay.

to voice an opinion

Please feel free to voice your opinion.

to dominate the discussion

Let's not let one person dominate the discussion.

point of view

That's an interesting point of view.

consensus

Do we have consensus on this issue?

to reach agreement

Have we reached agreement on this?

brainstorming

Let's have a short brainstorming session.

open discussion

Now let's move into open discussion.

suggestion box

All ideas are welcome — the suggestion box is open.

to ask for opinions

Can I ask for your opinion on this?

to invite feedback

I'd like to invite feedback from the group.

valid point

That's a valid point, thank you.

just to add

Just to add to what was said earlier…

to pick up on a point

I'd like to pick up on something you said.

debate

This is a healthy debate.

open-minded

Let's stay open-minded during this discussion.

to acknowledge

I acknowledge your concern.

let's move on

If there are no more comments, let's move on.

to return to the point

Let's return to the point about logistics.

discussion thread

That starts a new discussion thread.

to keep emotions in check

Let's all try to keep emotions in check.

working solution

We need to find a working solution.

constructive discussion

This is a very constructive discussion.

to speak freely

You may speak freely in this room.

heated discussion

The meeting turned into a heated discussion.

clarifying question

May I ask a clarifying question?

to cut in

Sorry to cut in, but I need to clarify something.