Speaking: Interactive Communication B2 - Lesson 3: Responding to Counter-Arguments

Speaking: Interactive Communication B2

Responding to Counter-Arguments

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use the "Acknowledge - Pivot - Rebut" framework to respond respectfully and persuasively to opposing viewpoints in a discussion.

A 3-Step Strategy for a Powerful Response 🔁

Instead of just saying "You're wrong," use this structured approach to respond respectfully. This shows you are actively listening and makes others more open to hearing your perspective.

1Acknowledge Their Point

First, show you heard and understood their argument. This is respectful and builds trust.

• "I see what you're saying about..."
• "That's a valid point regarding..."
• "I understand your concern about..."

2Pivot Back to Your Argument

Use a contrasting phrase to smoothly transition from their point back to your own.

• "...however, I believe..."
• "...that being said, we also need to consider..."
• "...on the other hand,..."

3Rebut with Your Reason

Now, state your counter-argument and support it with your own logic, evidence, or examples.

• "...this is because..."
• "...the reason I say this is because..."
• "...a better way to look at it is..."

Scenario: A Business Negotiation

Listen to this negotiation. Notice how Vanny responds to Samnang's counter-argument using the three-step strategy.

Vanny: To increase our profits, I propose that we raise the price of our premium coffee by 10%.

Samnang: I'm not sure that's a good idea. A price increase might scare away our loyal customers.

Vanny: I understand your concern about losing loyal customers. (Step 1: Acknowledge) However, I think our premium coffee drinkers are more interested in quality than price. (Step 2: Pivot) The reason I say this is because our recent survey showed that 90% chose us for our unique beans, not because we are the cheapest. (Step 3: Rebut with evidence)

Advanced Strategies

💡 Different Ways to Respond

Your response doesn't always have to be a direct disagreement. Here are some nuanced approaches:

Partial Agreement (The "Yes, but..."): Agree with some part of their point before adding your own contrasting view.
"While it's true that a price increase could be risky, I also think that not increasing it means we can't afford to maintain our quality."

Questioning the Premise: Politely challenge the assumption behind their argument.
"You're assuming our customers are price-sensitive, but is that really the case for our premium drinkers? My understanding is they value quality above all."

Practice Your Responses 🎯

📝 Practice Quiz: Complete the Counter-Argument

1. Speaker A: "We should ban cars from the city center to reduce pollution."
Speaker B: "I take your point about pollution. __________, what about the negative impact on businesses?"

A. That being said
B. For example
C. Therefore

→ Answer: A. "That being said" is a perfect pivot phrase to acknowledge the first point and introduce a contrasting one.

2. Speaker A: "Our new marketing campaign was a complete failure."
Speaker B: "_____________________, it's true that sales didn't increase, but the campaign did generate a lot of positive social media attention."

A. I completely disagree with you
B. I understand what you're saying
C. To be fair

→ Answer: C. "To be fair" is a great phrase to introduce a different perspective that balances the initial negative statement.

Key Vocabulary

• Counter-argument (Noun) | ការជជែកតវ៉ា
  An opposing argument or viewpoint.
• Perspective (Noun) | ទស្សនៈ
  A particular way of thinking about something; a point of view.
• Valid (Adjective) | សមហេតុផល
  Logical and based on good reason.
• Rebut (Verb) | បដិសេធ
  To argue against a point; to prove something is false.
• Acknowledge (Verb) | ទទួលស្គាល់
  To accept or admit the existence or truth of something.

Your Mission: The "Devil's Advocate" Challenge ⭐

The best way to get good at responding to counter-arguments is to anticipate them. In this exercise, you will argue against yourself.

1. State a strong opinion you have. (e.g., "I believe all university students should have a part-time job.")
2. Now, be the "devil's advocate". What is the strongest argument *against* your opinion? (e.g., "A part-time job can negatively affect a student's grades.")
3. Record yourself responding to this imaginary counter-argument using the Acknowledge - Pivot - Rebut framework.