The Language of Meetings

1. Presenting an argument I would like to make a few remarks concerning this point. I would like to comment on the problem of ... (+fn/+ing). The next issue I want to focus on is ... (+fn/+ing). In addition, ... (+m). /Furthermore, .... (+m). /Moreover, ... (+m). On the one hand ... (+m), but on the other hand ... (+m). On the whole, ... (+m). I prefer .. (+fn/+ing) to ... (+fn/+ing). 2. Opinions Id like to hear your views on this topic. I firmly believe that ... /As far as I am concerned ... (+m) /As far as I am able to judge..(+m). From my point of view ... (+m). Im afraid Im not in a position to comment on this. Id like to ask my colleague Ms Davis to give us her views on that. Perhaps Mr Smith would care to answer that. Allow me to give the floor to Miss Harrison. To summarize, I think we are in agreement on this. 3. Agreeing and disagreeing I agree entirely with your point of view. /Im in total agreement. /Im of exactly the same opinion. I agree in principle, but ... / By and large Id accept your views, but ... I totally disagree with you. /What you are saying is just not feasible. I cant say that I share your view. /Im not totally convinced of your argument. I agree up to a point, but ... /To a certain extent I agree with you, but ... 4. Clarifying Correct me if Im wrong, but ... /Am I correct in assuming that ... ? Im afraid I dont understand what you mean. /... what you mean by saying that ... I think you have misunderstood me. /We seem to be talking at cross purposes. Allow me to rephrase that. /To be more specific, ... (+m). Perhaps I havent made myself clear. Basically, what Im trying to say is ..(+m).

5. Questioning Would you mind ... (+if .../+ing)? Could you be a little more precise? /Would you care to elaborate on that? /Could you expand on that? Thats a very interesting question. /Thats a difficult question to answer. /Im glad you asked that question. Im afraid I dont have enough information at my disposal to answer that. /I cant say yes or no at present. 6. Proposals I suggest that ... (should!) /I advise you to ... /Wouldnt it be a good idea to ...? I am fully in favour of .. (+fn/+ing). I would certainly endorse such a proposal. I see no objection to that. /I wouldnt be opposed to that. With certain reservations, I would support your proposal. I am totally opposed to the proposal. /Frankly, I think thats out of the question. I am not sure this proposal is feasible. /This proposal is likely to present difficulties. 7. Importance and certainty This issue is highly significant. /I feel this is a vital issue. /It is essential to realise that ... We mustnt underestimate the importance of .. (+fn/+ing). I would like to remind you that ... /I wish to draw your attention to ... But this is only of secondary importance. Im certain that .... /There is no doubt that ... /Without doubt ... (+m). Its quite likely that ... /Its highly probable that ... Its highly unlikely that ... /I doubt if ... 8. Compromising That seems to be a reasonable compromise. /I think that would be perfectly acceptable. We are not entirely convinced that this is a viable solution to the problem.