Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 2
Function: Agreeing & Disagreeing Politely
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a range of phrases to agree and, more importantly, to disagree with someone's opinion in a polite and respectful way.
Conversation Scenario: Discussing an Opinion
In life, we don't always have the same opinion as other people. Knowing how to disagree2 politely is a very important communication skill. Let's look at how two friends discuss a topic.
Rithy: In my opinion, living in a big city is much better than living in the countryside. There's so much to do.
Sophea: That's true,3 there are more shops and cafes. However,5 I think the countryside is more peaceful.
Rithy: I see what you mean, but4 don't you think it can be a bit boring?
Sophea: I suppose so, but on the other hand,6 I prefer the clean air. I guess we just like different things!
Your Interaction Toolkit
Function: Phrases for Agreeing
- to agree: to have the same opinion as someone: យល់ព្រម
- That's true. / I agree. Phrases to show you have the same opinion: ពិតមែន / ខ្ញុំយល់ព្រម ↩
- Absolutely! / Definitely! Strong words to show you agree 100%: ពិតណាស់!
Function: Phrases for Disagreeing Politely
- to disagree: To have a different opinion from someone: មិនយល់ព្រម ↩
- I see what you mean, but... A great phrase to show you understand their idea before you give your different idea: ខ្ញុំយល់ពីអ្វីដែលអ្នកចង់និយាយ ប៉ុន្តែ... ↩
- I understand your point, but... Similar to the phrase above; very polite.
- However,... A formal connecting word used to introduce a contrasting point: ទោះយ៉ាងណាក៏ដោយ... ↩
- On the other hand,... A phrase used to show a different side of the argument: ម៉្យាងវិញទៀត... ↩
The Intonation of Polite Disagreement
To disagree politely, your intonation should be soft and thoughtful, not aggressive.
- When you use a "softening" phrase like "I see what you mean...", your voice is often a little higher and questioning. It shows you are thinking.
- Pause clearly after your softening phrase and the word "but" or "however".
- When you state your different opinion, use a normal, falling intonation. Don't make your voice strong or loud.
Listen to the flow: "I see what you mean, ↗ [pause] but in my opinion, ↘ the movie was a bit boring."
The "Soften, State, Explain" Strategy
This is a safe and polite three-step strategy for disagreeing with anyone.
Step 1: Soften. Start with a phrase that shows you respect their opinion. Don't just say "You're wrong."
"That's a good point..." or "I understand what you're saying..."
Step 2: State. Clearly state your different opinion using "but" or "however".
"...but I have a slightly different perspective."
Step 3: Explain. Give a short reason for your different opinion.
"...because I think the cost is also an important factor."
Practice Agreeing & Disagreeing
Activity 1: How to Respond?
Read the opinion. How would you agree? How would you disagree politely?
Opinion: "I think English is the most difficult language to learn."
- Your AGREEING response: _______
(Example: "I completely agree! The grammar is so confusing.") - Your DISAGREEING response: _______
(Example: "I see your point, but I think Chinese is more difficult because of the characters.")
Activity 2: Mini-Debate
Work with a partner. Choose one of the debate topics below. One person must agree with the statement, and the other must disagree. Have a short, polite conversation using the phrases from this lesson.
Topics: "Cats are better pets than dogs." OR "It is better to be rich than to be happy."
Your Communication Mission
This week in Battambang, your mission is to practice politely disagreeing.
You don't need to have a big argument! Just find one small opportunity with a friend. If they say "I love this hot weather," and you don't, you can practice. Say, "Really? I see what you mean, but for me, it's a little too hot!" The goal is to practice the polite strategy.