07 OUMH2203 - Topic03 PDF

Topic
Discussions
and Meetings
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Use appropriate language to perform a variety of functions during
meetings and discussions, including expressing opinions, expressing
agreement and disagreement, and making suggestions;
2. Describe effective ways of communicating your thoughts and ideas to a
group of people; and
3. Identify and explain the nuances in the English sound system.
INTRODUCTION
This topic provides learners with practice in using the various language forms
and functions commonly used during meetings and discussions. In particular,
the topic introduces language for expressing opinions, stating agreement or
disagreement, and offering suggestions and solutions. In most instances, the
contextualised use of these language forms and functions is presented. A number
of activities and exercises that allow for collaborative learning are also included.
Copyright Open University Malaysia (OUM)
40
3.1
TOPIC 3
DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS
MEETINGS
Figure 3.1: A meeting enables people to discuss ideas

Source: [Clip art of a meeting]. Retrieved February 9, 2010,
from: http://www.tall.org/clubs/cal/la/Social.html
In any organisation, meetings are held to enable people to exchange information,

discuss ideas and make decisions (please refer to Figure 3.1). To ensure that every
meeting achieves its purpose, all participants have to contribute actively. A variety
of language functions and relevant expressions have to be used to communicate
ideas clearly.
Often, the expressions that are used differ, depending on the stage the meeting or
discussion is at. At the start of a meeting, you may need to use expressions to
welcome colleagues and friends.
As the meeting progresses, you may have to voice agreement with points raised,
make suggestions, or invite alternative points of view. All these functions require
you to use specific expressions.
Here are some examples of language forms and phrases that are commonly used at
different stages of a meeting or discussion.
(a)
Starting a meeting
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I think we should begin ...

If everyone is here, we can start.
Shall we start?
TOPIC 3
(b)
41
Introducing the agenda
Today we need to talk about ...

Let us look at the first item on the agenda
(c)
Stating objectives
The purpose of this meeting is, firstly, to ... and secondly, to ....
The main objective of our meeting is ...
(d)
Keeping the meeting moving
Can you tell us more about ...?

Shall we continue?
(e)
Closing the meeting
Does anyone have anything else to add?

If that is all, we can stop here.
Study the dialogue below to see examples of the expressions commonly used at
different stages of a meeting (please refer to Transcript 3.1):
Leading up
to starting
a meeting
A:
B:
C:
How are you? How was your weekend?

Not bad actually, though it rained a lot. Anna had one of her fits
again, went completely ballistic about the children
playing indoors.
OK. I think everyone is here now. Shall we get started?
Introducing
the agenda
C:
Let us quickly go over what we have to discuss today:

Investments -- examining finances --, information on
other companies -- annual report. Maria has agreed to look
into what other companies we could invest in and Tan, you
are going to examine the figures and see how much we are
actually talking about.
Keeping the
meeting
moving
A:
It is an absolutely massive company and I really do not

think that would work.
OK but what do the rest of you think? Maria, how do you
feel about it?
C:
A:
C:
Closing the
meeting
C:
They have agreed to meet us next month;

meantime, they will send us more information.
Excellent, shall we move on to the next item now,
which is, er, the annual report?
Well, I think we have covered every item on the agenda.
Thank you all for coming. Would anyone like coffee?
Transcript 3.1
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TOPIC 3
During a meeting or discussion, significant exchanges take place. People express or

request for opinions; they agree or disagree with a viewpoint; they make suggestions
and offer solutions to problems; sometimes, people even reject opinions, suggestions
or points of view. All these ideas have to be articulated thoughtfully and in a way
that shows that you are respectful of the thoughts, ideas and opinions of others. We
also wish to say things clearly to ensure that our message is understood by everyone
present so that there is little or no misunderstanding.
In the following sections, a number of language expressions are introduced with
respect to the different kinds of exchanges that take place during a discussion or
meeting.
ACTIVITY 3.1
Imagine that you have been asked to chair a formal meeting. In small
groups, brainstorm on the things you would need to do in your role as
chairperson.
3.2
EXPRESSING OPINIONS
An important part of meetings and discussions involves asking and giving

opinions. An opinion can be expressed in various ways:
(a)
A forceful way;
(b)
A neutral way; or
(c)
A tentative way (with some hesitation or reservation).
TOPIC 3
43
Common phrases often used to express opinions are listed in Table 3.1:
Table 3.1: Common Phrases for Expressing Opinions
Asking for opinions
Giving an opinion
Would you mind telling me what you think of ?

What do you think about ?
What is your opinion of ?
How do you feel about ?
What are your views on ?
Any comments ...?
I think that
I feel/believe that
In my opinion/view,
My opinion is that
My point of view is
ACTIVITY 3.2
Work in pairs. Share some situations in which you would use the
different ways of giving and asking for opinions.
3.3
EXPRESSING AGREEMENT /
DISAGREEMENT
You may agree or disagree with the opinions or suggestions given by members
of a group during a discussion. Every group member is entitled to express his
agreement or disagreement (please refer to Figure 3.2), and a discussion gains
momentum as each person responds, either positively or negatively.
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TOPIC 3
Figure 3.2: Disagreement between group members

Source: Mardan, M.J. (Blogger). (2009). I-dont-see-what-youre-getting-at [Clip art],
Retrieved February 9, 2010, from: http://english-learners.com/2009/05/commonenglish-phrases.html
When you agree with someone, the expressions you use to voice your agreement
will tell the listener the strength, or degree, to which you agree. Table 3.2
highlights phrases commonly used for expressing agreement or disagreement.
Table 3.2 : Ways of Expressing Agreement and Disagreement
Agreement
Strong
I absolutely agree.
Yes, definitely.
I am in complete agreement.
Exactly.
Precisely.
Neutral
I agree.
You are right there.
I think you are right.
That is true.
That is right.
Disagreement
Strong
I disagree completely.
That is out of the question.
On the contrary.
Of course not!
That is ridiculous.
Neutral
I do not agree.
That is not how I see it.
I would not say that.
I think you are wrong.
I disagree.
TOPIC 3
45
SELF-CHECK 3.1
Are these expressions neutral or do they show agreement or disagreement?
(a)
(c)
(e)
(g)
That is true, but ...

I see what you are saying
...
I do not think so ...
Absolutely.
(b)
(d)
I am not so sure about that ...

That is beside the point.
(f)
(h)
Yes, however, it seems to me that ...

You have got a point there.
Of course, sometimes, instead of agreeing or disagreeing with an opinion, you

may just wish to express certain reservations. Then, there may be times when
you disagree but wish to express this in an indirect and diplomatic way. Look at
the four sentences below: Do they show agreement or disagreement?
Theres a problem.
I think there may be a problem with that.
There seems to be a small problem.
Actually, thats not going to be so easy.
What is the difference between the first sentence and the three which follow?
Dont you think that the the last three sentences are more indirect, careful and
diplomatic?
ACTIVITY 3.3
Look at the statements given below. Choose ONE and rewrite it in
different ways so that it has the same meaning but is more diplomatic
and indirect. Share this with your friends and see how they have
rewritten their statements.
We cannot do that.
Your cost estimate is much too low.
The project is running late.
There will be a delay.
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TOPIC 3
3.4
MAKING / ASKING FOR SUGGESTIONS
Very often, you may be called upon to make suggestions during a meeting or
discussion. You may be asked to suggest ways to overcome a problem or address
an important issue. Sometimes, you are asked to recommend an initiative based
on your past experience in a particular field. Then there may be times when you
may encounter difficulty dealing with a situation and need to ask for
suggestions. Table 3.3 provides examples of phrases commonly used when you
want to make or ask for suggestions:
Table 3.3: Making and Asking for Suggestions
Making Suggestions
Asking for Suggestions
Strong
I would like to hear your suggestions.
We must ...
I would like to hear your ideas on this.
Neutral
What would you suggest?
I think we should ...
Do you have any suggestions?
Tentative
What do you recommend?
It might be good to ....
What are your views on this?
I recommend that we
I think we should
I suggest that we
My recommendation is that we ...
TOPIC 3
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Table 3.4 lists other useful expressions which you may want to use in a meeting:
Table 3.4: Other Useful Expressions
Presenting alternatives
One possibility is to ...

Either we ... or ...
As I see it ...
If we ... then... can...
The advantage of is that ... whereas
Accepting proposals
I am completely in favour of that.

I am in favour of that.
That is a good idea.
I have absolutely no objections.
I am sure that is the best idea.
Rejecting ideas
I am sorry but I really do not think that is a

good idea.
I am afraid I cannot accept that.
That is very interesting but ...
I am sorry, but that is not really practical.
I appreciate your point of view but.
I can see why you want to do this but
Building up arguments
I am afraid that is not possible. Firstly ...

Secondly ...
If we put off this decision any longer it will
mean further delays. As a result ...
Balancing points of view
I accept what you say but ...

The project may be profitable but on the other
hand it may be.... If we ... it may cause ...
Summarising and
If everyone is in favour of what I have

suggested
If everyone is in agreement to what I have
proposed ...
Do you all agree that .?
If everyone is in favour, I would like to
recommend ...
Does anyone have anything else to add?
Right, then I think we can end the meeting
here.
So if that is it, we can stop here.
concluding the meeting
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TOPIC 3
Study the passage below which highlights a discussion in session (please refer to
Transcript 3.2). Examine the different language functions and expressions used by
the speakers.
Asking for
comments/
opinions
Bernie:
Voices:
Bernie:
Voices:
Bernie:
Samsuddin:
Bernie:
Okay, I think we should start now, as it is 10 oclock.

Okay / right / yeah.
Well, we are here today to look at some of the reasons
for the decline in profits which has affected this
subsidiary.
You have all seen the agenda. I would like to ask if
anyone has any comments about this before we start.
No / it is fine / no.
Right, well, can I ask Encik Samsuddin Omar, Chief
Sales Executive, to give his opening remarks?
Thank you, Bernie. Well, I think we have to face several
realities. What I have to say is divided into three parts
and will take about 20 minutes.
Er, Encik Samsuddinwe do not have much time we
are interested only in listening to the main points.
Yes, can I ask one thing, Madam Chairperson? Isnt this
problem in our market a global one?
Sorry, June, I cannot allow us to consider that
question just yet. We will look at that question later.
Encik Samsuddin, sorry, please carry on.
Expressing
disagreement/
keeping the
discussion
focused
June:
Building up
an argument
Samsuddin:
Well, the three points I want to make can be summed

up in three sentences. Firstly, sales are down, but only
by 5% more for the group as a whole. Secondly, our
budget for sales has been kept stable it has not gone
up despite inflation so we are trying to do better than
last year on less money. Thirdly ...
June:
Bernie:
Samsuddin:
Thats not exactly true

June, please. Let Encik Samsuddin finish.
Thirdly, our products are old we need new ideas.
Bernie:
Let me summarise that. You say that sales are down but
not by so much, that you have had less money to
promote sales and the products are old? Is that right?
Summarising/
concluding
Bernie:
Transcript 3.2
TOPIC 3
3.5
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MORE ACTIVITIES
Below are various activities that will give you practice in using the appropriate
language forms needed to perform the different functions at meetings or
discussions.
ACTIVITY 3.4
1. Give your opinion on the following issues raised during a
meeting. You are encouraged to use some of the expressions that
have been introduced in this topic.
(a)
The introduction of a system in which everyone in a

company, from top to bottom, clocks in.
(b)
The view that in future, world oil reserves will be running

out and most of the energy will be supplied by nuclear
power.
(c)
The belief that more and more manufacturing industries

will be relocated to the Far East because of lower labour
costs.
2. Say whether you agree or disagree with the following statements.

Give a reason for the stand you take.
(a)
All forms of public transport should be free.
(b)
Criminals should be hanged.
(c)
Meetings are a waste of time.
(d)
Sending e-mail is better than writing letters.
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TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.5
Respond to the following comments, using the reasons given to support
your point of view.
(a)
If there are not enough jobs to go around, the number of university

places should be reduced. There is no point in educating people for
the unemployment queue.
Disagree: more people go for higher education focus on
subjects like engineering and computing.
(b)
The best jobs for the future will be in the service and food
industries.
Agree: bad future for manufacturing industries.
(c)
Introducing a 35-hour week might be a good idea from the

employees point of view but it would be a disaster from the
companys point of view.
Agree: costs up no increase in productivity.
(d)
If you want to reduce inflation, the only solution is strict control of

the money supply.
Express reservation: strong wage and price controls also
possible.
(e)
If everyone agreed to take a reduction in wages, we would solve

the unemployment problem in Malaysia within a year.
Disagree: problem more complex.
TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.6
Give suggestions and recommendations to resolve the following
problems. Follow the example given.
Example:
Problem
Sales of new electric cars have not been as good

as predicted and stock levels are high.
Suggestions
1.
Stop production. (strong)
2.
Cut prices. (neutral)
What you can say
1.
2.
3.
As I see it, we have no choice but to stop

production.
In addition, I think we should cut prices to move
the stock and improve cash flow.
Problem: Deliveries of goods have been delayed frequently in

recent months due to rail strikes.
Suggestions:
(a)
Investigate road transport. (neutral)
(b)
Set up small regional warehouses. (tentative)
Problem: Some tinned fruit imported from China and sold in a

local supermarket has resulted in complaints from customers.
Suggestions:
(a)
Withdraw all tins from the shelves. (strong)
(b)
Arrange a meeting with the production people from the plant

in China. (neutral)
(c)
Send some of our production people to China to check

quality control. (tentative)
Problem: A newspaper group is having problems with its

circulation. Costs are also high for setting and printing.
Suggestions:
(a)
Hire a new editor. (neutral)
(b)
Negotiate with the printers to modernise production

methods. (strong)
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TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.7
Present a series of possible solutions to the following problems. An
example is given below.
Example:
Problem
How to link Pulau Tioman and Mersing.
Solutions
A rail tunnel to transport cars.

A bridge only for road traffic.
A combined rail and road tunnel.
What you can say
There are several ways to solve this

One solution would be to build a rail
transport cars. Alternatively, we could
bridge just for road traffic. Finally,
build a combined rail and road tunnel.
(a)
(b)
(c)
problem.
tunnel to
build a
we could
Problem: How to improve productivity.

Solutions:
Introduce more automation.
Organise employees into smaller teams.
Give bonuses for targets met.
Problem: How to improve the quality of production.

Solutions:
Introduce quality standards.
Increase the sampling rate of finished products.
Problem: How to find new management personnel.

Solutions:
Use a head-hunting agency.
Advertise in the national press.
TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.8
(Audio 3.1)
You are going to hear extracts of a meeting. Listen to the discussion and
answer the following questions.
(a)
What does the third speaker say to get the meeting going?
(b)
Who do you think Tan is?

(i)
Chairman
(ii) Secretary
(iii) Treasurer
(iv) Committee member
(c)
How does the speaker ask Maria for her opinion?
(d)
What does the speaker say to proceed to the next item on the
agenda?
(e)
What does the speaker say to conclude the meeting?
ACTIVITY 3.9
Indicate whether it is to agree(A), disagree (DA) or half agree (HA)
when the following expressions are used.
(a)
That is true, but
___________________
(b)
I see what you are saying
___________________
(c)
Yes, in a way
___________________
(d)
Absolutely
___________________
(e)
You cannot really mean that
___________________
(f)
Yes, however it seems to me that
___________________
(g)
You must be joking!
___________________
(h)
You have got a point there
___________________
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TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.10
(Audio 3.2)
Listen to the recording of Mr Theva talking and answer the following
questions
1.
List three duties of the chairperson at a meeting.

(a)
(b)
(c)
2.
The following would not contribute to a successful

meeting.
Re-write them according to Mr Thevas suggestions.
(a)
Lack of preparation
Be
(b)
No clear objectives
Have an
(c)
Members get too emotional

Maintain
(d)
Meeting dragging on for too long

Keep
TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.11
Work in groups of four or five. Conduct a committee meeting based on
the following notice and agenda.
Uno Cars Sdn Bhd
Notice of meeting
Objective: Increasing sales of Uno Cars
Time: 3.30pm
Place: Bilik Melor
Participants: All executives and managers
Agenda
1.
Welcome speech by chairperson.
2.
Apologies for absence.
3.
Minutes of previous meeting.
4.
Matters arising from minutes.
5.
Reports.
6.
Special business.
(i)
Promotions for the festive season.
(ii)
Road show.
(iii)
Advertisements in the newspapers.
7.
Any other business.
8.
Date, time and place of next meeting.
9.
End.
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TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.12
1.
2.
Work in pairs. Take turns to ask for, and give, opinions about the
following subjects. Use as many different expressions as possible.
(a)
Unemployment among graduates.
(b)
Foreign workers.
(c)
Computer software piracy.
(d)
Western movies.
(e)
The Miss World contest.
(f)
National Service.
(g)
Studying abroad.
(h)
The Internet.
Work in pairs. Take turns to agree, half-agree or strongly disagree

with the following opinions. Use as many different expressions as
possible.
(a)
I think smoking should be banned.
(b)
I think National Service for young Malaysians is a good idea.
(c)
I think English is a very difficult language to learn.
(d)
I think rock concerts have a negative effect on young people.
(e)
I think college students should work part-time to support

themselves.
(f)
I think it is better to be your own boss than to work for

someone else.
(g)
I think cigarette advertisements should be banned.
(h)
I think university students should wear uniforms.
TOPIC 3
ACTIVITY 3.13
Job-related discussions
Work in pairs.
1.
You are the head of the Human Resources department in your

organisation. You are holding a discussion on the fact that some
staff are taking emergency leave for trivial matters. Discuss the
circumstances under which staff may apply for emergency leave
and highlight the detailed procedure that they must follow.
2.
You are the head of the Human Resources department in your

organisation. Two senior staff are going to retire soon. You wish
to organise a special dinner to bid them farewell. Discuss how
you would go about organising the dinner. You could talk about
forming a committee, delegating work, selecting a venue,
choosing a caterer, date and time.
3.
You manage a restaurant frequented by many bank and office

staff from the surrounding area. Lately, some problems have
come to your attention, including the following:
(a) Employees handling food with bare hands;
(b) Some of the staff lack courtesy; and
(c) Slow service.
Discuss these problems and possible ways to resolve them.
4.
You are the executive director of an organisation which recently

received the ISO award. The Minister of Human Resources is
coming to present the award. Discuss the preparations and
procedures involved in organising the event and how you can
ensure that everything runs smoothly.
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TOPIC 3
3.6
HONING YOUR LISTENING SKILLS
The following activities should hone your listening skills so that you may
recognise and identify nuances in the English language.
ACTIVITY 3.14
Language development activities
This exercise is based on Audio 3.3.
1.
For each of the following questions, you will hear a single word
said twice. Choose an answer that best describes the word.
(a)
(i)
A kind of container
(ii)
A kind of colour
(iii) A sharp object

(iv) To succeed
(b)
(i)
Something old
(ii)
A container
(iii) The opposite of female

(iv) A trip by the sea
(c)
(i)
A kind of fruit
(ii)
Something that sucks blood
(iii) A tame animal

(iv) To provide knowledge
(d)
(i)
To work hard
(ii)
Something to play with
(iii) To ruin
(iv) To grow plants in
TOPIC 3
(e)
(i)
A kind of spice
(ii)
Something to write on
(iii) A poor man

(iv) A small stone
(f)
(i)
Something to eat
(ii)
To obtain easily
(iii) Something used to catch fish easily

(iv) This is found in front of a house
(g)
(i)
A tall building
(ii)
The opposite of sweet
(iii) A trip
(iv) The opposite of brave
(h)
(i)
A policeman
(ii)
To fall
(iii) Something used to drink with

(iv) A kind of fish
(i)
(i)
A timid person
(ii)
The top of a mountain
(iii) Something to eat

(iv) To select
(j)
(i)
The opposite of empty
(ii)
To take without permission
(iii) Something to sit on

(iv) Not moving
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2.
TOPIC 3
For each of the following questions, you will hear a single word
said twice. Choose an answer that best describes the word.
(a)
(i)
Anxious
(ii)
Groups of 10
(iii) For camping

(iv) After ninth
(b)
(i)
Not empty
(ii)
Drop
(iii) Make full

(iv) A stupid person
(c)
(i)
Adult lamb
(ii)
Sails on water
(iii) Small mouthful of drink

(iv) Not expensive
(d)
(i)
Warm
(ii)
Organ in the body
(iii) Worn on the head

(iv) A little house
(e)
(i)
Motor vehicle
(ii)
Penetrate with sharp instrument
(iii) Stiff paper

(iv) Horse-drawn vehicle
(f)
(i)
Not good
(ii)
Symbol of membership
(iii) Leaf of a book

(iv) Used for carrying things
TOPIC 3
(g)
(i)
Opposite of buy
(ii)
Go by ship
(iii) Sand on the beach

(iv) The outside of an egg
(h)
(i)
Hat
(ii)
To drink from
(iii) Baby animal

(iv) A taxi
(i)
(i)
Not up
(ii)
Sunrise
(iii) Measurement of weight

(iv) Small city
(j)
(i)
Drops of water from the sky
(ii)
Means of transport
(iii) Girl s name

(iv) Pipe carrying water
3.
For the next 10 questions, you will hear a group of three words. Say
each group of words in the order in which you hear them.
(a)
Think , ink , thing
(b)
Scarf, carve, calf
(c)
Thin, tin, teen
(d)
Thirteen, thirty, dirty
(e)
Boy, toy, coil
(f)
Sell, tell, bell
(g)
Pay, say, day
(h)
Fill, feel , steal
(i)
Test, toast, taste
(j)
Tool, told, tall
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4.
5.
TOPIC 3
For the next 10 questions, you will hear a group of three words.
Say each group of words in the order in which you hear them.
(a)
Corn, cone, comb
(b)
(c)
Pepper, paper, piper

Match, batch, patch
(d)
Mine, nine, line
(e)
Spit, sport, spat
(f)
Peach, beach, pitch
(g)
Wall, ball, soil
(h)
Whale, male, pail
(i)
Pen, fan, pan
(j )
Choose, chose, choice
For each of the next 10 questions, you will hear a sentence

containing only one of the four words given. Circle the word which
you hear.
(a)
(i)
Thought
(iii) Taught
(ii) Taut
(iv) Tart
(b)
(i)
Like
(iii) Life
(ii) Love
(iv) Lived
(c)
(i)
Four
(iii) For
(ii) Fore
(iv) Far
(d)
(i)
By
(iii) Bye
(ii) Buoy
(iv) Buy
(e)
(i)
Ride
(iii) Write
(ii) Rite
(iv) Right
(f)
(i)
Fell
(iii) Felt
(ii) Fall
(iv) Feel
(g)
(i)
Shot
(iii) Shut
(ii) Short
(iv) Should
TOPIC 3
6.
(h)
(i)
Lard
(iii) Led
(ii) Lead
(iv) Lad
(i)
(i)
Land
(iii) Lawn
(ii) Loan
(iv) Lend
(j )
(i)
Ankle
(iii) Angle
(ii) Angel
(iv) Anger
For each of the next 10 questions, you will hear a sentence

containing only one of the four words given. Circle the word which
you hear.
(a)
(i) Hold
(iii) Hole
(ii) Old
(iv) Whole
(b)
(i) Accede
(iii) Exit
(ii) Exceed
(iv) Excite
(c)
(i) Scene
(iii) Sin
(ii) Seen
(iv) Since
(d)
(i) Pour
(iii) Paw
(ii) Pore
(iv) Poor
(e)
(i) Hurt
(iii) Herd
(ii) Hut
(iv) Heard
(f)
(i) Tread
(iii) Threat
(ii) Thread
(iv) Treat
(g)
(i) Threw
(iii) Through
(ii) Truth
(iv) True
(h)
(i) Ore
(iii) Oar
(ii) Or
(iv) Awe
(i)
(i) Heels
(iii) Heals
(ii) Hills
(iv) Eels
(j )
(i) Rude
(iii) Route
(ii) Road
(iii) Root
63
64
TOPIC 3
One way important business decisions are made is through conversation.

Often, the way we say something during discussions and meetings helps to
persuade others to think in a particular direction and to develop a
perspective that will help us achieve our business goals.
This topic gives you practice in performing a number of language forms and
functions at the workplace, for example, in using the right words to express
opinions, state agreement and disagreement, and make and receive
suggestions.
You are also taught to state your stand in a forceful way, neutral way or
tentative way.
The topic also offers you opportunities to hone your skills in phonetics and
the phonological aspects of the English language, so that you are more aware
of the subtle differences between various words and terms. Ultimately, this
will help you communicate your thoughts and ideas more effectively.
Agreement and disagreement
Make and offer suggestions
Diplomatic
Neutral
Expressing opinions
Tentative
Forceful

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

Figure 3.1: A meeting enables people to discuss ideas

In any organisation, meetings are held to enable people to exchange information,

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I think we should begin ...

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

Introducing the agenda

Today we need to talk about ...

Keeping the meeting moving

Can you tell us more about ...?

Closing the meeting

Does anyone have anything else to add?

How are you? How was your weekend?

Let us quickly go over what we have to discuss today:

It is an absolutely massive company and I really do not

They have agreed to meet us next month;

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

During a meeting or discussion, significant exchanges take place. People express or

An important part of meetings and discussions involves asking and giving

A tentative way (with some hesitation or reservation).

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

Would you mind telling me what you think of ?

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

Figure 3.2: Disagreement between group members

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

That is true, but ...

I am not so sure about that ...

Yes, however, it seems to me that ...

Of course, sometimes, instead of agreeing or disagreeing with an opinion, you

I think there may be a problem with that.

There seems to be a small problem.

Actually, thats not going to be so easy.

Your cost estimate is much too low.

The project is running late.

There will be a delay.

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

MAKING / ASKING FOR SUGGESTIONS

Asking for Suggestions

I would like to hear your suggestions.

I would like to hear your ideas on this.

What would you suggest?

I think we should ...

Do you have any suggestions?

What do you recommend?

It might be good to ....

What are your views on this?

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DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS

One possibility is to ...

I am completely in favour of that.

I am sorry but I really do not think that is a

I am afraid that is not possible. Firstly ...

Balancing points of view

I accept what you say but ...

If everyone is in favour of what I have

concluding the meeting