Useful phrases for Speaking:

1. Introducing the topic

 Today we are here to discuss…
 The goal of our discussion today is…
2. Bringing in other people
 What is your opinion, Mr. ABC?
 Do you agree with Mr. Ito’s opinion, Ms. ABC?
 Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do?
 Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point?
3. Keeping the Discussion Moving
 Let’s go on to another point.
 Next, let’s talk about…
 Let’s talk about that later.
4. Giving an opinion
 In my opinion…
 As far as I’m concerned…
 Personally, I believe that…
 The way I see it is…
5. Getting further information
 Would you mind explaining that a little more, please?
 Could you explain that more fully?
 Could you tell us a bit more about that?
6. Restating an idea
 In other words,
 That is, …
 What I’m trying to say is…
 I mean…
 To put it another way…
7. Persuading Convincing
 You must admit that…
 Don’t forget that…
 You must remember that…
8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement
 Do/don’t you agree, Ms. ABC?
 Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. ABC?
9. Expressing Agreement
 Yes, that is right/correct.
 You are right/correct.
 I definitely agree with Ms.
 That is exactly what I think.
10. Expressing Disagreement
 I don’t really agree with him/her.
 I’m afraid I can’t agree with his/her opinion.
 That’s not quite how I see it.
 I can see your point, but I don’t really agree with it.
11. Expressing doubt or reservation
 Well, maybe, but I’m not sure about that.
 Hmm, he may be correct but I’m not sure.
 I can see your point, but I’m not sure I agree.
12. Refuting a fact
 Actually,
 As a matter of fact, …
 Well, I’m not sure that is true/correct because…
13. Dismissing an irrelevant point
 I’m afraid you’re missing the point.
 I don’t think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion.
14. Making suggestions
 Why don’t we/you…
 How about…
 I suggest that we/you…
15. Agreeing with a suggestion
 Ok. That makes sense.
 Of course.
 Certainly
16. Refusing a suggestion or request
 I’m sorry but that is out of the question
 Unfortunately that is not possible.
17. Capitulation
 Mr. ABC has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not useful/practical/necessary/good.
Therefore, I have changed my mind.
 OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you.
18. Expressing similarities
 Those two points/suggestions are similar.
 Mr. ABC’s idea is about the same as Ms. xyz’s.
 My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers.
19. Interrupting
 Excuse me for interrupting, but…
 Sorry to interrupt, but…
20. Getting a point into the discussion
 I have a point I’d like to make.
 I’d like to add something here.
 I’d like to say something about your/her/his idea.
21. Seeking clarification
 What do you mean?
 Sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean.
 Do you mean that…?
 I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow.
 I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.
22. Paraphrasing another person’s idea
 What Ms. Ito means is that…
 What (s)he is trying to say is that…
23. Requesting
 Ms. ABC, I wonder if you would mind................., please?
 Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please?
24. Making comparisons
 Mr. Ito’s explanation is more/less............than hers/his.
 Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers.
25. Expressing Preference
 I think the best/worst suggestion is …
 His idea is the............-est (best, most reasonable etc.)
 Her proposal is the most/least…
 One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely take/use it.
26. Closing the Discussion
 In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion…
 The goal of our discussion is to….
 We have concluded that…