Lesson 5 Teacher Polished

Languages Discipline, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education
Lesson 5: Making and Responding to Suggestions (1)
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

make suggestions using suitable language;
explain suggestions by providing related information;
respond to suggestions by expressing agreement and disagreement; and
use conversation fillers.
Task 1 Warm-up activity
You are a manager of an IT development firm. Your product, a smart phone has been
out on the market for six months now and a survey has been conducted to collect
customers feedback. Read the list of complaints and then in groups of four make
suggestions for improvement. Then, share your ideas with the class.
Customer Feedback
Suggestions
Phone often Not easy to share

freezes up and transfer
information with
other digital devices

Difficult to tether
to notebook

Lesson 5 Page 1 of 23
LAN3100 E&C: Workplace Interaction (IT)
Teacher Package
What expressions did you and your classmates use to make suggestions?
(students answers)______________________________________________________
Most workplace meetings aim to generate and discuss ideas relating to a problem or an
issue. During a meeting, you may need to give opinions, make and respond to
suggestions and offers, express your preferences, and handle persuasion.
Task 2 Making suggestions

There are many expressions for making suggestions. It is important to choose the
suitable ones to express your meaning.
Task 2a [Track 1]
Listen to a discussion between Cyrus and Rachel about arrangements for a staff
meeting. As you listen,
1. Jot down the expressions they use to make suggestions, and
2. make changes on the agenda.
2nd Staff Meeting

2nd April 20-- 1:30 4:30 p.m.
DigiTower, Business Centre
Agenda
1. Matters arising
Approval of minutes of last meeting
Hotel spa and recreation facilities
2. Possible problems of implementing eco-friendly measures
3. Eco-friendly practices of local branches (John Dale)
4. Questions and answers: discussion session to gather ideas
Adapted from http://labspace.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=371292
Cyrus Rachel
Shall we say ? Perhaps we could
Teacher Package
Most workplace meetings aim to generate and discuss ideas relating to a problem or an
issue. During a meeting, you may need to give opinions, make and respond to
suggestions and offers, express your preferences, and handle persuasion.
Task 2 Making suggestions

There are many expressions for making suggestions. It is important to choose the
suitable ones to express your meaning.
Task 2a [Track 1]
Listen to a discussion between Cyrus and Rachel about arrangements for a staff
meeting. As you listen,
3. Jot down the expressions they use to make suggestions, and
4. make changes on the agenda.
2nd Staff Meeting

2nd April 20-- 1:30 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
DigiTower, Business Centre
(transport and lunch provided depart at 12:30 p.m.)
Agenda
5. Matters arising
Approval of minutes of last meeting
Hotel spa and recreation facilities
6. Possible problems of implementing eco-friendly measures
7. Eco-friendly practices of local branches (John Dale)
8. Questions and answers: discussion session to gather ideas
Brainstorming session Ideas for an eco-friendly DigiTower
Teacher Package
Adapted from http://labspace.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=371292
Cyrus Rachel
Shall we say ? Perhaps we could

Why dont we ? What about ?
We can Shall we say?
Lets May I suggest ?
I want it to be
What if ?
*I dont want to
*Would (the meeting) be .?
* meaning/suggestion implied rather than expressed explicitly
What kind of work relationship do you think Cyrus and Rachel have? Why do you think
so?
boss & secretary
Cyrus suggests his ideas directly and his tone is bossy. Rachel is, however, less direct.
Task 2b Tone of suggestions
The tone of suggestions may affect the effectiveness of communication. Strong

suggestions that sound like orders may ruin a social or work relationship while tentative
or uncertain suggestions, which are less direct, may not produce the impact you intend.
Study the following expressions. What kind of tone do they have? Put each of them in
the appropriate column in the table below.
Shall we ? Perhaps we should/could In my opinion, we should

How about ? What about ? I strongly recommend
What if .? May I suggest ? In my view, the only solution is
Lets Why dont we ? Would it be suitable / possible to ?
I suggest . It might be a good idea Im thinking if we could/might
to
Strong Neutral Tentative
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I strongly recommend Shall we ? Perhaps we should/could

In my opinion, we should How about ? Would it be suitable /
In my view, the only solution is What about ? possible to ?
Lets May I suggest ?
Why dont we ? Im thinking if we could/
I suggest . might
What if .? It might be a good idea to
1. From the examples above, can you identify the words used to adjust the
tone of suggestions?
modal verbs e.g. would, may, might & modifiers e.g. strongly, perhaps
2. Besides using these words, how can we change the tone of suggestions?
use a different tone of voice e.g. an assertive tone for a strong suggestion
and different word stress
3. What should be considered when deciding the tone of suggestion?
sender/recipient(s) relationship, formal or informal occasion, situation e.g.
a strong suggestion can be made if action is urgently needed
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Task 2c Language focus
Study the following table and practise saying the expressions in pairs.
Shall/Should/Can + verb (+ object) e.g. Shall we start the meeting at 2

we p.m.?
Lets e.g. Lets start the meeting at 2 p.m.
We could/can/may e.g. We could start the meeting at 2
Would it be better to p.m.
e.g. Would it be better to start the

meeting at 2 p.m.?
I suggest/ propose/ + that-clause e.g. I suggest (that) the meeting
recommend (should) start at 2 p.m.
+ noun/noun e.g. I recommend starting the meeting

phrase at 2 p.m.
How about/ + noun/noun e.g. How about starting the meeting at

What about phrase 2 p.m.?
What if + clause e.g. What if we start the meeting at 2

p.m.?
Below are some problems with their possible solutions. Work in pairs. Make suggestions
for the problems your partner mentions to you using the expressions you have learned
in Task 2b and the table above.
Using the prompts below, Student A will make suggestions for Problems 1 3 while
Student B will suggest solutions to Problems 4 7. Student B will start by saying:
Student B: The IT department is consuming more electricity. What do

you
think we should do?
Student A: (Respond by suggesting a solution)
Problem 1: Problem 2: Problem 3:

The IT department is The facilities of the The online booking system
consuming more computer lab are is not satisfactory.
Teacher Package
electricity. inadequate.
Problem 4: Problem 5: Problem 6:

There have been The salary of IT The Hong Kong Coliseum is
complaints about the technicians is not keeping fully booked until March.
quality of the office pace with the cost Introduce
of a
more user-
network. living.
friendly
Introduce a network online Purchase more
quality assurance booking equipment for
system system the computer
lab
Introduce energy saving Evaluate the pay
Try other measures scale
venues
Task 3 Explaining suggestions
Your suggestions may sound more persuasive if they come with an explanation.
Task 3a (A) I suggest printing documents on both sides of

Compare the following 3 suggestions. the paper to reduce paper consumption.
Well, any ideas for

eco-friendly
(B) Shall we print documents on both sides of the
measures?
paper? I mean, in this way, we can reduce paper
consumption.
(C) Im wondering if we could just print documents on both

sides of the paper. This would reduce our paper consumption.
Which suggestion(s) is/are more acceptable? Why?

B & C ; because the speakers try to elaborate their suggestions.
You can elaborate on your suggestions by:
(a) providing additional information
e.g. Shall we print documents on both sides of the paper? I mean, in this way we can
reduce paper consumption.
(b) stating possible benefits
Teacher Package
e.g. Im wondering if we could just print documents on both sides of the paper. This
would reduce our paper consumption.
Task 3b
Watch a video about the eco-friendly measures in a hotel. As you watch,

complete
the notes below. (Name of video: An eco-friendly hotel in Manhattan) (451)
Notes on eco-friendly measures:

1. Print everything on recycled paper save lots of trees
2. Use recycled toilet paper not as soft as other varieties but more eco-friendly
3. Donate unused shampoo partnership with local & non-profit organizations
4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products good for the health of room attendants
5. Provide green information to guests help them find their own ways of being
ecologically correct
6. Provide man-powered pedicabs dont have a motor ; provide good visibility
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KfVhPvz5jA
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rv5v_5-star-green-an-eco-friendly-hotel_news
Now choose some of the measures above. Write down how to suggest and explain your
ideas in a meeting about office eco-friendly measures. Practise saying them in pairs.
(students answers; ideas for reference only)
e.g. I suggest we print everything on recycled paper. In this way, we can save lots
of trees.
1. How about using recycled toilet paper? Although they dont feel as soft as other
varieties, they are more eco-friendly.
2. I suggest donating obsolete computers. We could establish partnership with local
and non-profit organizations.
3. May I suggest using eco-friendly cleaning products? They would also be good for
the health of our cleaning lady.
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4. It might be a good idea to help our guests find their own ways of being
ecologically
correct by providing green information.
Task 4 Responding to suggestions

In a meeting, you should not only make suggestions but also respond to the
suggestions of other speakers by expressing agreement and disagreement.
Task 4a
Read aloud the following responses. Can you identify their degrees of agreement?
( a ) ( c ) ( d ) ( b ) ( e )
Strong agreement Agreement Partial agreement Disagreement Strong disagreement
(a) I agree entirely (d) Its a possibility,

with your point. This We should use daylight but integrating
is clearly an exclusively in our daylight and electric
effective way of reception area. light sources can
provide a visually
interesting
(b) Sorry. I dont quite environment for
see it the same way. both our clients and
Lighting controls (c) I think so. Its
can help create a common practice in (e) What you are
good working most offices . saying is just not
environment
feasible.
Which response is not desirable in a meeting? Why?
(e) because it sounds a bit offensive.
In fact, strong disagreement, which may generate negative emotions, should be

handled tactfully. In Lesson 6, you will learn more about how to express disagreement.
Task 4b [Track 2]
Listen to an extract of a meeting and list the expressions used to express

agreement, partial agreement and disagreement in the table below. Then
suggest two more expressions for each.
(students answers; suggestions in blue)
Agreement Partial agreement Disagreement
Teacher Package
Yes, sure. Thats an option but Im afraid I cant go along

I think so. Its a possibility but with you.
Thats what Im going to say. Well, I see your point but I dont think we could
Youre right. Sorry, I dont quite see it the
I agree. same way.
Absolutely. I dont quite agree with you.
Thats a good idea/point. Sorry, that may not be
I cant agree more with you. possible.
[stronger agreement] Im not sure about that.
Besides using these expressions, can you think of any other ways to show
agreement or disagreement?
Facial expressions and body language e.g. a nod agreement // a frown or
shaking head disapproval.
Task 4c
You are planning a staff retreat program with a colleague. With the help of the clues
given below, conduct the conversation. You may begin in this way:
Student A: For the venue, I suggest the Gold Coast Hotel because
Student B: Thats a good idea OR Im afraid that may not be suitable
AGREE DISAGREE
AGREE END AGREE END the
SUGGEST MEAL: SUGGEST:
the conversation conversation
barbeque barbeque
(cheaper) (cheaper)
PARTIALLY AGREE AGREE DISAGREE AGREE

SUGGEST VENUE:
SUGGEST SUGGEST TIME: SUGGEST: hotel SUGGEST MEAL:
Gold Coast hotel
10 am 5 pm 9 am 5 pm shuttle bus service lunch buffet
(good facilities)
(hotel far away (office hours) (free) (more choices)
from city centre)
AGREE DISAGREE DISAGREE AGREE SUGGEST

AGREE END the
SUGGEST MEAL: SUGGEST SUGGEST TRANSPORT: coach
conversation
set lunch 10 am 4 pm Repulse Bay Hotel (convenient)
(easy to arrange) (shorter program) (a nice beach)
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DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE

AGREE END the conversation
SUGGEST SUGGEST ACTIVITY: SUGGEST
lunch buffet workshops outdoor activities
(more choices) (good for staff (more fun)
development)
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Task 5 Conversation fillers
Fillers are commonly used in spoken interactions. When you hesitate while you are
speaking, you can use 'ah', 'er', 'um', well, etc. to gain some time. You may also use
fillers to signal to other speakers that you have not finished your turn. These hesitation
devices usually do not have a specific meaning.
Below are some common conversation fillers. Practise saying them in pairs.
Fillers Examples Functions
Um/Er A: Youre over an hour late! Did something happen? Thinking about
Well, B: Well, er, I forgot to set the alarm clock last whether to reveal the
night. truth
You see, A: How come you still havent submitted the Thinking about how to
You know, proposal? explain the matter
B: You know Actually, its quite a complicated
issue.
I see. A: Im not sure if we can finish the project Thinking on a possible
today, we havent got enough manpower. solution to the
B: I see I seeCan you finalize the parts that problem
have been completed by now so that the
customer can at least get something?
like A: Whats wrong with Jack? Considering which
B: I dont know. Well, he is just like a completely words would better
different person! describe the situation
Sort of Were sort of doing it the wrong way. Being unable to
suggest a good
word/or reluctant to
sound
negative/criticise
That sort of thing There are different types of connectivity, 4G, Wifi , Being unable to list all
that sort of thing. the points
What do you call it? Has the what do you call it GPS been Trying to remember a
installed yet? word or a name
How shall I put it? Im not sure if we can finish the project today, well, Finding the right word
How can I say this? how shall I put it we havent had enough capacity for bad news
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to handle the system.
It is normal that you pause a little when you are not sure how to explain your ideas. In
fact, you are less likely to experience awkward moments of silence if you can use
conversation fillers effectively. However, you should bear in mind that excessive
hesitation could affect the fluency of your speech, so do not overuse the fillers.
Task 6 Pronunciation Practice
Sentence Stress
Word stress is the accent on one syllable within a word while sentence stress is
what gives English its rhythm or beat.
Most sentences have two types of word:

content words, i.e. the key words of a sentence that give a sentence its meaning
e.g. nouns, adjectives
function words, i.e. words that make the sentence correct grammatically e.g.
articles (a/an/the), conjunctions, prepositions.
We normally stress the content words in a sentence because they are important
to communicate our ideas. Stressed words are spoken with more force and sound
louder than unstressed words.
Practice: in the sentences below, the stressed words are

underlined. Practise saying them.
I suggest we offer training to the non-IT staff.
Shall we increase the frequency of the maintenance checks concerning the
network?
What about installing an online booking system?
Would it be possible to employ two more programmers ?
However, it is possible to give a heavy stress to a normally unstressed word to

show a different meaning. Look at the following example.
e.g. 5 We could provide funds for the project.
Lesson Page 13 of 23
LAN3100 (The
E&C: stress
Workplace Interaction
on could (IT) the possibility.)
emphasizes
Teacher Package
We could provide funds for the project.
(The stress on provide funds emphasizes the action.)
Teacher Package
Task 7 Guided Practice [Track 3]
Situation
You work in a software development firm. Your firm is going to introduce a Go Green
scheme in the office. You and other colleagues are having a meeting to discuss how to
make your office greener..
In groups of 4, act out the meeting following the steps suggested

below.
You should use the ideas on your role card to make suggestions,
respond to suggestions and give opinions. You may also add
your own ideas.
Flow of Meeting
Role A opens the meeting by

welcoming participants,
stating the purpose, and
inviting opinions.
Discuss the topic by

making suggestions,
responding to suggestions, and
giving opinions.
Role B, C or D closes the meeting by:

checking if there are any more suggestions,
suggesting the date of the next meeting, and
thanking participants for coming.
Teacher Package
* The Role Cards are on p.12.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
1. Making suggestions
Shall we start the meeting at 2 p.m.?
I suggest/propose we offer a buffet.
What about using recycled paper?
Perhaps, we could install a solar energy panel.
2. Agreeing
I agree.
I agree entirely/totally with you. [strong agreement]
I think so.
Thats what I was going to say.
Thats an option/a possibility but
3. Disagreeing
I dont quite agree with you.
Im afraid I cant go along with you.
4. Expressing hesitation
Um/Er/Well,
How shall I put it?
*Note: It is usually better to say,I dont agree with this idea than I dont agree
with you. Can you think of reasons why?
USEFUL VOCABULARY
Words/Phrases Meaning
1. en-tire-ly completely
2
2. ex-ces-sive greater than what seems reasonable or suitable
3
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3. fea-si-ble possible and likely to be achieved

4
4. hes-i-tate to be slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or
5 nervous
5. im-pact the power effect that something has on somebody/something

6
6. im-ple-ment carry out
7
7. meas-ure an action to achieve an aim
8
8. per-sua-sive able to make somebody do something by giving them good
9 reasons for doing it
9. ten-ta-tive not certain because you may want to change it later

10
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Role Cards for Task 7
Role A
Suggestions:
1. eco-friendly pantry (use reusable materials e.g. glasses, cloth
napkins)
2. give each participant a Green Card with eco-friendly tips
Responses to opinions of other speakers:
1. eco-printing (+ whiteboard ) amount of printing
2. pens & paper on request
3. name labels
Teachers notes:
Give students 5 minutes to Role B
prepare for the practice.
Suggestions for meeting rooms:
Ask them to think about how to
put forward the 2 suggestions 1. wireless broadband access view docs online
given on the role card and how 2. put recycling bins
to express
agreement/disagreement to
opinions of other speakers. 1. eco-printing (on recycled paper)
Remind students to listen 2. offer green tips (need cooperation of
carefully to other members.
employees)
3. living wall nicer work environment
Role C
Suggestions:
1. provide recycled pens & paper pads
2. install a living wall
1. whiteboard (+ non-toxic markers) less
printing
2. eco-pantry
3. name labels X (participants to use own business
Role D
Suggestions:
1. eco-printing service (print meeting documents on both
sides of paper)
2. name labels in reusable holders in meeting rooms
1. internet connection (no printing)
2. recycling bins (collect paper for recycling & reuse)
3. print green cards (on recycled paper)
Teacher Package
Tapescript
Track 1
Cyrus: We should finalize the agenda and get it circulated today.

Rachel: Right. Perhaps we could go through it now.
Cyrus: Mmmm Finish at 4.30. Would the meeting be too short? How about meeting
for four hours? Shall we say five thirty?
Rachel: Yes, that would be fine. Ersome of the staff have asked about getting to the
hotel; they dont have transport.
Cyrus: Why dont we provide coaches for them? That way no one needs to worry
about cars and parking. Put something like transport provided - depart at one
below the venue.
Rachel: OK- transport provided - depart at 1:00 p.m. Oh yes. What about food?
Cyrus: Well, we havent got much time so we dont want to have a big meal. We can
offer a buffet so that people can take what they want and finish quickly. Put
that down: transport and lunch provideddepart at twelve thirty pm.
Rachel: Twelve thirty pm?
Cyrus: Yes, that will give us some time to eat.
Rachel: OK.
Cyrus: Another item - Hotel spa and recreation facilities, I dont want to spend time
on things which arent connected with the environmental protection project.
Rachel: Right, Ill take it off the agenda then.
Cyrus: Er the only other thing was item number 4, the Question and Answer session.
Lets give it a more interesting title.
Rachel: Shall we say Q & A for eco-friendly measures?
Cyrus: Well, I want it to be a free discussion; not just questions and answers. What if
we call it Brainstorming sessionIdeas for an eco-friendly office.
Rachel: May I suggest Ideas for an eco-friendly DigiTower, with the name of our
company?
Cyrus: Ok, fine. Could you circulate the final agenda this afternoon?
Rachel: No problem.
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Track 2
Chairman: Well, lets get started. The objective of this meeting is to take a look at the
goals we set together at the beginning of the year and see if they were met.
Shall we start by looking at our goals?
Carol & Yes, sure.
Kim:
Chairman: We aimed to reduce the operating costs by 5% and create a database of our
customers. Well, lets begin with the first one reducing operating costs.
Carol & Okay.
Kim:
Carol: Umwell, we should be able to end the year on budget but how should I put
itit wont be easy.
Kim: I think so but I really appreciate the efforts our staff made to keep spending
down. You know, since the Green Office campaign was introduced, weve
saved much on electricity bills.
Carol: Thats what I was going to say. Most of our staff have got into the habit of
switching off the lights and air-conditioners when theyre not in use.
Kim: Yes, theyve also set up a paper recycling system. I think their green
awareness has been enhanced.
Carol: Youre right. They place boxes and trays beside the photocopiers as
containers to collect single-sided paper for reuse and used paper for
recycling.
Chairman: I seeI see.
Kim: They also set double-sided printing as the default mode for most network
printers. Thats good news, isnt it?
Chairman: Absolutely. How about our second goal, creating a customer database? It
seems to be easier to achieve, right?
Kim: Im afraid I cant go along with you, especially when we dont have
sufficient manpower.
Carol: I agree. So far we just have about 60% of our customer information entered
and updated.
Chairman: Oh, thats definitely not as good as Id hoped for.
Kim: Well, we planned to finish this by the end of the year.
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Carol: Im afraid youre too optimistic, Kim. Data entry takes up a lot of time. Why
dont we get a temporary clerk?
Chairman: Thats an option but it would mean spending more. I dont think we could
afford to have more people.
Carol: Sorry, I dont quite see it the same way. I believe the benefits that it
brings us could pay for that(fade)
Teacher Package
Track 3
A: Welcome, everybody. As you know, our firm is going to introduce a Go Green

scheme. Were here to discuss how to make our office greener. Well, who would like to
start first?
D: UmI think we should have an eco-printing service. We can print meeting documents
on both sides of the paper to reduce paper consumption.
B: Yes, and we can use recycled paper.
A: Thats an optionbut is it possible to reduce the amount of printing? Er Im thinking
if we can have a whiteboard in the meeting rooms.
C: Good idea. Whiteboard with non-toxic markers. In that case, we can do less printing.
B: Well, it sounds good. Mmhow about offering wireless broadband access in the
meeting rooms? This way the meeting documents can be viewed online.
D: Great. If everything is available on the web, we dont need to do any printing at all.
A: Right. Whats more, I think we can provide an eco-friendly pantry for the staff. We
can provide reusable materials as far as possible like glasses instead of paper cups,
cloth napkins but not paper napkins.
C: I agree with you. In addition, I suggest we only purchase recycled pens and paper
pads.
A: Thats a good point. To reduce consumption, we can even consider limiting the
number of these items per employee.
D: But Im afraid we will also need to put name labels on the table during meetings.
Right?
A: Mmname labelscertainly.
D: We can put the labels in reusable holders.
C: Its good to use reusable holders, but would it be possible to ask the staff to use their
own business cards?
A: I think theyd be happy to do so.
B: Absolutely. Shall we put some recycling bins in meeting rooms too? In fact, most
people have got into the habit of recycling paper and plastic products.
D: Youre right. In this way, we can collect single-sided paper for reuse and used paper
for recycling.
A: Great. Weve got lots of green ideas. Why dont we provide each participant with a
Green card? I mean, a card with all these eco-friendly tips.
B: It sounds good. In fact, we need the cooperation of all our employees.
D: Yes, lets print the green cards on recycled paper.
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A: Okay. Any other ideas?

C: Yes. What about installing a living wall?
D: You mean a wall where different plants grow on it?
C: Yes.
B: I agree. It will also help provide a nicer work environment.
D: Thats what I was going to say.
A: Alrightwell, does anyone have anything to add? No further suggestions? I think
thats all for today. Lets talk about the details in our meeting next Monday. Thanks
everyone for coming.
Teacher Package

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Languages Discipline, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education

Lesson 5: Making and Responding to Suggestions (1)

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Task 1 Warm-up activity

Phone often Not easy to share

Task 2 Making suggestions

2nd Staff Meeting

Adapted from http://labspace.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=371292

Shall we say ? Perhaps we could

Task 2 Making suggestions

2nd Staff Meeting

Adapted from http://labspace.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=371292

Shall we say ? Perhaps we could

* meaning/suggestion implied rather than expressed explicitly

Task 2b Tone of suggestions

The tone of suggestions may affect the effectiveness of communication. Strong

Shall we ? Perhaps we should/could In my opinion, we should

Strong Neutral Tentative

I strongly recommend Shall we ? Perhaps we should/could

Task 2c Language focus

Shall/Should/Can + verb (+ object) e.g. Shall we start the meeting at 2

e.g. Would it be better to start the

+ noun/noun e.g. I recommend starting the meeting

How about/ + noun/noun e.g. How about starting the meeting at

What if + clause e.g. What if we start the meeting at 2

Student B: The IT department is consuming more electricity. What do

Problem 1: Problem 2: Problem 3:

Problem 4: Problem 5: Problem 6:

Task 3a (A) I suggest printing documents on both sides of

Well, any ideas for

(C) Im wondering if we could just print documents on both

Which suggestion(s) is/are more acceptable? Why?

Watch a video about the eco-friendly measures in a hotel. As you watch,

Notes on eco-friendly measures:

Task 4 Responding to suggestions

(a) I agree entirely (d) Its a possibility,

In fact, strong disagreement, which may generate negative emotions, should be

Listen to an extract of a meeting and list the expressions used to express

(students answers; suggestions in blue)

Agreement Partial agreement Disagreement

Yes, sure. Thats an option but Im afraid I cant go along

PARTIALLY AGREE AGREE DISAGREE AGREE

from city centre)

AGREE DISAGREE DISAGREE AGREE SUGGEST

(easy to arrange) (shorter program) (a nice beach)

DISAGREE AGREE DISAGREE

lunch buffet workshops outdoor activities

(more choices) (good for staff (more fun)

Task 5 Conversation fillers

Fillers Examples Functions

You know, proposal? explain the matter

B: You know Actually, its quite a complicated

I see. A: Im not sure if we can finish the project Thinking on a possible

today, we havent got enough manpower. solution to the

B: I see I seeCan you finalize the parts that problem

have been completed by now so that the

customer can at least get something?

like A: Whats wrong with Jack? Considering which

B: I dont know. Well, he is just like a completely words would better

different person! describe the situation

Sort of Were sort of doing it the wrong way. Being unable to

that sort of thing. the points

installed yet? word or a name

to handle the system.